Peanut allergies are a big concern for many families, and they’re getting more attention lately—especially after a local minor league baseball team made headlines for how they're handling the issue. Tufts Medical Center Community Care family medicine doctor, Patricia Sereno, MD, MPH, shares helpful tips for managing peanut allergies every day and in public spaces like stadiums. From reading food labels to carrying emergency medication, there are simple steps we can take to stay safe and enjoy our favorite activities—even in places where peanuts might be around.
A few seasons ago, the Hartford Yard Goats, Connecticut’s Double-A Eastern League team, made headlines with a bold move: declaring Dunkin’ Park completely peanut-free. The decision raised a few eyebrows among baseball purists who feel that buying peanuts and Cracker Jack is as much a part of the game as balls and strikes. Although none have gone as far as the Yard Goats, most large baseball stadiums across the country now offer peanut-free events and some even accommodate food allergy families with peanut-free designated seating.
Going entirely peanut-free is a pretty dramatic step to take, but we can certainly understand the reasoning behind the ban. For a child with a peanut allergy, a trip to a ballgame can have dire consequences.
Patricia Sereno, MD, MPH
According to Dr. Sereno, the number of children with food allergies has increased dramatically over the past 10 to 20 years. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the prevalence of food allergies has increased by 50% since the 1990s, making it a serious public health concern.
“Although we can’t exactly pinpoint the reasons for this rise, we know that overall there has been some reluctance among parents to introduce young children to many foods that are thought to result in allergic reactions.”
The landmark Learning Early About Peanut (LEAP) study, conducted by the Immune Tolerant Network and published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2015, has helped to change attitudes by showing that introducing peanuts to children at ages as early as 4 to 6 months can help to build an immune response and decrease their chances of developing a peanut allergy by as much as 80%.
Of course, if there is some concern that an allergy may exist, it is best to introduce foods in conjunction with and under the watchful eye of a physician. Together, you can come up with a strategy to add and eliminate certain foods from your child’s diet. If an allergy is suspected, there may be some further evaluations, such as skin or blood tests to confirm if an allergy exists.
Common + severe symptoms of peanut allergies
Peanut allergies are among the most common causes of severe allergic reactions, and the symptoms can be life-threatening. Being able to identify signs and symptoms quickly can be important during an attack. They may include:
- Runny nose
- Hives or rashes
- Stomach issues such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Itching, tingling or tightening around the mouth and throat
- Shortness of breath
A life-threatening reaction, called anaphylaxis, can also occur. During anaphylaxis, the throat may swell, constricting airways and making it difficult to breathe. There may also be a rapid pulse, drop in blood pressure, dizziness or even loss of consciousness.
“When anaphylaxis occurs, it requires immediate medical attention and treatment with epinephrine such as EpiPen,” said Dr. Sereno.
Tips for staying safe with a peanut allergy
“Peanuts are different from some other foods that cause allergic reactions because of the dust created when shelling a whole peanut,” said Dr. Sereno. “In an area such as a ballpark, imagine how the dust can fly on a windy day if the fan seated in front of you is shelling peanuts. Inhaling that dust or having it land on your skin can trigger allergic reactions.”
If you or your child has a peanut allergy, the only way to prevent a reaction is to avoid peanuts and peanut products entirely. Since that can be difficult in day-to-day activities, follow these steps.
- Ask and speak up: At restaurants and social gatherings, you are at risk of being exposed to peanuts accidentally. If you have doubts or concerns about an item, feel free to pass.
- Be prepared for a reaction: Carry emergency medications with you at all times.
- Read the labels: Manufactured foods are required to clearly state whether foods contain any peanuts or were produced in factories that also process peanuts.
- Team up with your doctor: It’s important to work closely with your pediatrician or physician. Build a plan and have open and frequent communication.
