With Peanut Allergies, Halloween Treats Can Be Especially Dangerous

In an Oct. 10 press release, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur and allergy awareness advocate Darla Manninen says that as children across the nation are anticipating Halloween, parents of kids allergic to peanuts are more anxious than usual as they plan for protecting their kids from accidentally ingesting foods that can cause serious allergic reactions.

Manninen says that "dangerous foods are a year-round worry for parents of peanut-allergic children. Teachers, daycare providers and other parents may not know about nut allergies, or they may simply forget in the middle of a hectic snack time or party. The concern is simply more acute at Halloween, when children are tempted to sample the trick-or-treat candy they receive before adults can examine it."

Foods containing peanuts and peanut by-products are much more widespread than many people realize. Manninen says that peanuts are not only used in obvious foods like cakes and cookies, but peanut butter is frequently used as a thickening agent, and peanut oil is a common ingredient in many foods, including ice cream. An online article, "Peanut Allergy in a Nutshell," adds lard, margarine, frozen desserts and potato chips to the list of those foods that can be expected to show up in or as Halloween treats.

In recent years, allergists have seen an increase in the number of people with peanut allergies, particularly children. There is no cure, and the only treatment is to absolutely avoid all products that contain the peanut allergen.

Mild allergic symptoms typically include itchy throat, swelling tongue, gastrointestinal discomfort, rash or nausea. However, more severe peanut allergies can result in anaphylaxis, an emergency situation requiring immediate attention, and death.

So, what can parents do to make life safer for their kids with allergies to peanuts and other food products, especially around holidays where peanut-laden products are more prevalent?

Robyn O'Brien, founder of allergykids.com, said in an online interview that after her daughter had an unexpected allergic reaction to scrambled eggs, she designed a symbol that would let other kids and adults know that she had a food allergy. Since then, the symbol as become a sort of universal "pink ribbon" to signify a food allergy. Kids can wear colorful symbolic wristbands or place the symbol on their books or lunch bags - anywhere to draw attention to their special status. O'Brien also suggests getting together with other parents of children with food allergies and presenting a plan for the school, especially around holidays like Halloween.

Manninen has taken a similar approach, directed specifically to kids with peanut allergies, after her grandson was discovered to be allergic to peanuts. She has designing clothing and stickers that alert others that a child has a peanut allergy.

Clothing and stickers and colorful wristbands work because they not only serve as a reminder, they also get the attention of those who may be unaware of a child's allergy.

Manninen says that "young children are particularly at risk because they may not be able to communicate how they are feeling. For me, that is the scary part of Halloween."

Sources:

Press release, "Peanut Allergies - When Halloween Treats are a Halloween Fright;" http://www.prweb.com/releases/peanut/allergies/prweb559939.htm

Article, "Peanut Allergy in a Nutshell;" http://www.lambtonhealth.on.ca/nutrition/Allergy/NUTSHELL.asp

Interview, "Robyn O'Brien on Food Allergy Kids & Advice for Parents;" http://www.achooallergy.com/robyn-obrien-food-allergy-interview.asp?utm_id=NL0907