Peanut Allergies – another school case in the news
Here are a few facts about peanut allergies. An allergic reaction to peanuts usually occurs within minutes being exposed, and symptoms range from mild to severe. If there is a family history to peanuts or a sensitivity to other foods then you should be checked by your doctor for possible allergies. It is estimated that the most common cause of food-related death is because of a peanut allergy. The FDA reports that 3.9% of children under the age of 18 have some food allergy – this is up 10% from last decade. Peanut allergy occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies peanut proteins as something bad or harmful. When someone with a peanut allergy is exposed their immune system releases chemicals into their bloodstream that cause them to have a reaction. Symptoms can range from a mild rash to as severe as a trip the the emergency room. For more information on Peanut allergies go here.