Avoidance, education, awareness, and preparedness are the four keys in the management of a peanut allergy.

Avoidance

Avoidance is the main key in managing a peanut allergy. This means not eating or coming in contact with anything that has even minute traces of peanuts or peanut butter. Peanuts tend to leave residue on utensils and containers, so caution also needs to be taken to make sure cooking and serving utensils don't contain traces of a peanut product.

For those allergic to peanuts, it is important to read product labels for all ingredients and to avoid obvious sources of peanut protein, such as peanut butter and peanut flour. Foods that contain peanuts or peanut products may be labeled using words like peanut extracts, ground nuts, mixed nuts, or natural flavoring.

Be especially aware of packaged and processed foods because they may contain hidden peanuts.

Peanuts can be concealed in processed foods like baked goods, candy, cereals, chili, cookies, dips, egg rolls, ice cream, and spaghetti sauces.

Education & Awareness

If your child is allergic to peanuts, be sure that everyone who feeds and cares for the child knows about the allergy and what to do in case of an attack. This means the babysitter, teacher, school nurse, school cafeteria, and even friends need to be aware of the potential danger involved.

Parents should teach and train their child who is allergic to ask about food they are offered and, if possible, have an adult read the ingredients label.

There has been a lot of controversy in the news about whether to ban peanuts and peanut products from schools and even on commercial airliners. Many doctors feel that banning the products is not the answer, since it could produce a false sense of security. They feel education and awareness are the keys because fatal reactions to food allergies can be prevented with careful avoidance and rapid use of epinephrine.

Be Prepared

It is vitally important that all peanut allergic patients have an action plan in place to deal quickly with an accidental ingestion of peanuts. Ask your physician whether an epinephrine injection, should be carried and used in an emergency to counter a reaction. If one is prescribed, carry it at all times. This can open up the airways and blood vessels in the event of an emergency. Also be sure to wear a Medic Alert tag.