Peanut Allergy Epidemic May Be Overstated

[caitycaity]

I also don't agree with the word "epidemic". I think the better word would be trend. I think that our society has reached an interesting dynamic where everyone's child has something wrong with them. It is almost like an unspoken competition....you see it here on the DIS everyday. It seems like everyone has a child with ADD/ADHD, allergies, asthma or some other issue. Part of this may be better diagnosic, part may be parents are more willing to speak out and be advocates. But I do think that a lot of it is parents completely overreacting and seeking a "diagnosis" to something that may just be a normal part of that childs behavior.

Heck, I wheeze when I run outside sometimes, that doesn't mean I have asthma. I sometimes feel funny after eating certain foods, that doesn't mean I have an allergy. I get antsy sometimes in long movies, doesn't mean I have ADD/ADHD.

My point is, I truly feel for the parents whose children do have severe or life threatening reactions to things like peanut allergies. But I am tired of a small percentage of people dictating how and what I eat. I cannot tell you how many people have told me not to eat peanut butter because I am pregnant. I am offended that my children will not be able to take any peanut products to school. I would support the precaution if there really was a peanut allergic child in their class, but a blanket policy is overkill in my opinion. I think society has chosen to favor sensationalism and scare tactics rather than implying good old common sense, especially where children are concerned.

i agree 200% with you!

 

[poohandwendy]

I agree with Puffkin too. I am not even sure that you can call it a trend, without proper diagnostic tests there really is no way to know if many of the kids who 'have' peanut allergies really have them.

 

[binny]

I think there are way too many things that people can develop allergies to to consider banning things from public.

Im allergic to latex. Severely. I now have an Epi Pen because the other night I was cleaning and not paying attention and the brush I used had rubber bristles. I immediately started breaking out in hives so I ran and took Benadryl as quick as I could. Then I felt my lips starting to swell and my throat closing. I had to take my rings off because my fingers started swelling too and I was getting really freaked out. The Benadryl finally kicked in and the swelling started going down but not before I was quite frightened. My dh had his hand on the phone to call 911.


That was the last wake up call I needed! I called right away and got a scipt for an epi pen.

This was all because of a rubber brush!


Do you have any idea how many things in regular life have latex in them? Escalator handles, some door knobs, elastic on underwear.... the list is huge! I know that I have to take responsibility for my allergy. I dont want latex banned because of my allergy. It isnt even banned in my house ( obviously) Latex is too useful for most people and is in so many everydaything that it would be really tough to ban it completely and unreasonable to ask.

THere has been a huge increase in Latex allergies in the last few years. Usually people who are in the medical field or who have IVs frequently are more suseptible to them.

Anyway, my point is even with the increase in my allergy no one is calling for it to be banned or even lessened. Just as peanut butter for most people is just fine and a good source of protein. The majority of us eat peanut butter and never suffer consequenses just as most people can be around latex and not have any problems.

 

[Christine]

I agree with Puffkin too. I am not even sure that you can call it a trend, without proper diagnostic tests there really is no way to know if many of the kids who 'have' peanut allergies really have them.

I can only speak for my circle of people I've met with the allergy.

All had a reaction upon eating peanut butter for at least one time. All went to an allergist and had skin and/or the C-RAST blood test. All got confirmation from these tests that there was a reaction. As stated early, to try an oral challenge is too risky.

These tests are probably not 100% effective but I don't believe they are as haphazard as this article indicates. Most of my son's doctors, who are well-respected in the asthma and allergy field, have a lot of faith in these tests.

 

[YourMajesty]

I agree with Puffkin too. I am not even sure that you can call it a trend, without proper diagnostic tests there really is no way to know if many of the kids who 'have' peanut allergies really have them.

Peanut allergy can be tested by blood and if that is negative you can test by skin. If there is still question (not a clear cut answer) you can do a food challenge under the supervision of an allergist. Of course anyone who has a positive blood test would not do a food challenge. My DS did a food challenge to beef and potatoes becuase he tested positive on skin but did fine with the food challege. Just like the poster with the latex...sometimes an allergy delevops over time and maybe you don't know until you develop a severe reaction. We are fortuneate that my DS has outgrown his food allergies. It's not fun having a kid covered in hives or coughing becuase their throat is swelling.

 

[DawnCt1]

Interesting to me that no one is really discussing the main question the article brings up, are children being properly diagnosed? Are doctors taking the time to make sure they are administering the right tests to find out if there really is a peanut allergy and the extent of the danger for their patients?

Thats an interesting and appropriate question. Several years ago I had a root canal. I required Pennicillin. A day later I had a rash over my entire body. It looked like a PCN allergy. Like many people I could have assumed that was the case and seen myself as allergic to a very large and affordable class of drugs. The other possibility was that it was a septic rash from the root canal. I chose to be allergy tested and I was NOT allergic to pennicillin. Its all to easy to jump to the obvious conclusion which can be the wrong conclusion.

 

[Christine]

Thats an interesting and appropriate question. Several years ago I had a root canal. I required Pennicillin. A day later I had a rash over my entire body. It looked like a PCN allergy. Like many people I could have assumed that was the case and seen myself as allergic to a very large and affordable class of drugs. The other possibility was that it was a septic rash from the root canal. I chose to be allergy tested and I was NOT allergic to pennicillin. Its all to easy to jump to the obvious conclusion which can be the wrong conclusion.

I'll say it again--no one *I* know with peanut allergy EVER assumed or jumped to the conclusion that it caused their allergy. Because my son has a peanut allergy, I have been in contact with many other peanut allergy families. The reaction has ALWAYS been the same: almost immediate hives after ingestion. The pediatrician is contacted and the child is referred out for testing. Sometimes the parents don't call immediately and try peanut butter again. Usually the reaction is more severe and they stop.

Now, I know there are people who get one upset stomach from a chocolate bar and will declare themselves "allergic to chocolate" or whatever the substance may be. My cousin will tell you she is allergic to eggs because the smell of them makes her feel like hurling, but she's never been tested.

So, I do understand that this *stupidity* occurs. But, I believe most people with a peanut reaction are scared enough to go get tested. The reaction isn't mild. Same with bees and latex--scary reactions.

Of course, I have no studies to back anything up, but in the case of peanut allergies being "overreported" because people give themselves the peanut allergy diagnosis, I think the article is incorrect.

 

[disykat]

Of course, I have no studies to back anything up, but in the case of peanut allergies being "overreported" because people give themselves the peanut allergy diagnosis, I think the article is incorrect.

ITA. If there are people out there faking peanut allergies, spending $100's of dollars yearly on their supply of epi-pens and medic allert subscription, reading every label, only eating out at certain restaurants, skipping parties, and all the other precautions people have to take for peanut allergies - they've got problems far worse than allergies.

 

[poohandwendy]

So, I do understand that this *stupidity* occurs. But, I believe most people with a peanut reaction are scared enough to go get tested.

Actually, I know someone who says her daughter is allergic to peanuts, but doesn't want to put her 'through' the testing. She just makes sure she avoids peanuts at home and notified the school of her DDs 'allergy'. She very well may be allergic to peanuts, but I highly doubt she is alone in her assumption without proper testing.

If there are people out there faking peanut allergies, spending $100's of dollars yearly on their supply of epi-pens and medic allert subscription, reading every label, only eating out at certain restaurants, and all the other precautions people have to take for peanut allergies - they've got problems far worse than allergies.

Not every person who thinks there child has an allergy is doing all of those things, even when they have been tested thoroughly. Btw, I am not talking about faking an allergy, I am talking about making assumptions based on reactions to foods without proper testing. There is a big difference.

 

[Christine]

ITA. If there are people out there faking peanut allergies, spending $100's of dollars yearly on their supply of epi-pens and medic allert subscription, reading every label, only eating out at certain restaurants, skipping parties, and all the other precautions people have to take for peanut allergies - they've got problems far worse than allergies.

Also, want to add that at least in my son's school, they won't recognize his peanut allergy unless I provide documentation. I have a special form that I take to his allergist and the allergist has to verify that my son was tested and a reaction was reported. I can't just "claim" the allergy.

Also, I do believe there were studies done to see if there were a lot of false positives on the skin prick test. They do occur occasionally, especially in children with skin disorders, but they are not rampant.

 

[Disneyrsh]

[qu

 

[binny]

Latex paint is a misnomer it actually does not contain any latex. Weird, eh?


There are more than 300 components that make up any particular Latex. A person can be allergic to one or 300 of them. Hard latex like those in dog toys, often dont bother bother me. More pliable latex, those made with a petroleum base, really set me off.

 

[GEM]

Man, why are you picking on me? I posted that I agreed with C. Ann, that my thinking has been expanded by reading the thoughtful posts on here, and you're all wah wah about it. Chill out.

I'm not picking on you at all. I'm just pointing out that you've totally backpeddaled from your original position without ever admitting that the "smoking gun" statment was way over the top. You were trying to act like the statements you made earlier on were just misunderstood, which certainly doesn't seem to be the case, since you went on to make very clear exactly what you meant (the whole peanutbutter can kill anybody at anytime thing). And, then, you basically insinuated that those of us who pointed out the flaws in your reasoning were too stupid to understand what you really meant.

And yes, it is like having a loaded gun in the pantry for me, since I can't speak for anyone else. I guess I thought that was assumed but evidently I have to spell things out v*e*r*y* c*a*r*e*f*u*l*l*y.

If you're bothered by that, then your definately the one that needs to "chill out".

 

[DawnCt1]

I'll say it again--no one *I* know with peanut allergy EVER assumed or jumped to the conclusion that it caused their allergy. Because my son has a peanut allergy, I have been in contact with many other peanut allergy families. The reaction has ALWAYS been the same: almost immediate hives after ingestion. The pediatrician is contacted and the child is referred out for testing. Sometimes the parents don't call immediately and try peanut butter again. Usually the reaction is more severe and they stop.

.

No one "you" know, however, after having been a nurse for many years, and in occupational health for many years, I can tell you that many people claim that they are allergic to all kinds of things and that isn't always the case. Not everyone avails themselves of testing. In fact, most people who have, what they think is an allergic drug reaction, do not. Also, coincidentally and totally off topic, it would amaze you how many drug addicts are allergic to aspirin, tylenol, and ibuprofen. For some reason, they can only tolerate codiene, demerol and morphine.

 

[Christine]

No one "you" know, however, after having been a nurse for many years, and in occupational health for many years, I can tell you that many people claim that they are allergic to all kinds of things and that isn't always the case. Not everyone avails themselves of testing. In fact, most people who have, what they think is an allergic drug reaction, do not. Also, coincidentally and totally off topic, it would amaze you how many drug addicts are allergic to aspirin, tylenol, and ibuprofen. For some reason, they can only tolerate codiene, demerol and morphine.

That's why I emphasized my *I*. I realize that there are people that don't get tested and make claims. But I also participate in a peanut allergy forum which is quite large and there always lots of discussion about the testing. I will venture to say that most people have it done and have it done more than once. I think it's rare that a peanut allergy suspect does not go through with testing. And yes, I have met one person who didn't.

I'm not denying that this happens, I just think it is not the majority. I realize it is only my opinion and experience. And I will agree with you that for milder allergens, people are less likely to go through with the tests and make the claims.

And I have to side with the drug addicts--I've found most of the "fun" drugs to be much better tolerated than say, Sudafed!

One allergy that really scares me is the latex allergy. Many years ago, there was a DISer who had a latex allergy--can't remember her name (Joanne??) and boy, she described what it was like trying to plan a trip to Disney with a latex allergy. Scary stuff. She was highly allergic. I think that one might be harder to manage than peanut allergy.

 

[poohandwendy]

That's why I emphasized my *I*. I realize that there are people that don't get tested and make claims. But I also participate in a peanut allergy forum which is quite large and there always lots of discussion about the testing. I will venture to say that most people have it done and have it done more than once.

yeah, but it is pretty likely that most people who actually participate in a ''peanut allergy forum'' are also those who would be getting the testing done, so they only represents that part of the group.

My point is not that a large percentage of peanut allergies are not real. It is that when people talk about peanut allergies being on the rise, there really isn't much hard evidence if there is a percentage that are not getting the correct testing done.

 

[Christine]

My point is not that a large percentage of peanut allergies are not real. It is that when people talk about peanut allergies being on the rise, there really isn't much hard evidence if there is a percentage that are not getting the correct testing done.

This article has prompted me to do some more fact-finding on this. I'm never one to believe everything I read and the article posted is just one article. It is not gospel...yet. I think when you're sick of hearing about peanut allergy, an article like this will come along and just "ring true" with you. For now, I'm still skeptical. I think I'll just stick with my doctor's viewpoint. My son's pediatric pulmonologist has been treating kids with asthma for over 40 years. He has personally seen the rise in the allergy in his practice. And, unfortunately for him, his young grandson was recently diagnosed with the allergy. I'll have to run this article by him on my next visit.

I do believe it is on the rise. No, I don't think it's an epidemic and, as another poster pointed out, I have NEVER thought it was an epidemic. I guess that's where the "hype" comes in--the author's use of the word epidemic.

 

[poohandwendy]

I'm never one to believe everything I read and the article posted is just one article. It is not gospel...yet.

I totally agree with you there. Just food for thought and if anything, hopefully these types of articles get more interest in looking at the problem closely and determining the best diagnostic procedures and treatments testing possible.

IMO, most of the peanut allergy 'hype' comes from people asking for schools to have peanut bans and from hearing about the rare cases that result in death (like the girl who died from a kiss). They just do not represent the majority of peanut allergy situations.

 

[Christine]

Well, it seems that the Boston Globe is getting response letters to this. Here is one printed today:

Food allergies are a daily struggle
February 2, 2006

AS A physician and the mother of a peanut/nut-allergic child, I believe Dr. Darshak Sanghavi's article (''Peanut allergy epidemic may be overstated," Health/Science, Jan. 30) not only minimizes a stigmatizing and disabling condition but was unbalanced and misleading. His research appears to have excluded consultation with an allergist and was limited to studies that he determined statistically insignificant. If his focus was to discuss studies' difficulty to determine the incidence of peanut allergy, it becomes lost.

The article's bias does a disservice to affected children and families who struggle almost daily to educate those around them. Patients who misattribute symptoms to a suspected cause are not uncommon. Children diagnosed with peanut allergies do not fall into this category, however, as the article implied.

Children with peanut allergies face obstacles daily in our food-centered culture, from school snacks and lunches to holiday celebrations and play dates. As with any chronic health condition, vigilance and advocacy become commonplace for these children and their families.

Death from food allergies can occur within minutes. Patients who survive near-fatal anaphylaxis can be left permanently neurologically disabled. To claim that about the same number of Americans die from lightning strikes as from peanut allergies completely undermines the severity of this issue and all the attempts at educating others of its importance.

VIRGINIA RIBEIRO
Canton

 

[poohandwendy]

To claim that about the same number of Americans die from lightning strikes as from peanut allergies completely undermines the severity of this issue and all the attempts at educating others of its importance.

I totally disagree with this statement. If the statistics are the same, they are the same. I think people are smart enough to know that just because something is rare, it still is serious.