“My throat was feeling weird, but I dismissed it. Then six hours later, I couldn’t breathe. My inhaler didn’t help, and I didn’t have my EpiPen. I had to call an ambulance. It’s dangerous because you don’t know how well they clean stuff, and I usually don’t know what exactly gave me a reaction.”
That’s an allergen-sufferer named Sewa describing their life with a peanut allergy to the news website Vice in 2017.
It was a story called “We Asked People What It’s Like to Live with Deadly Food Allergies,” and as you can probably imagine, it’s not very pleasant.
Living with allergies goes beyond – as the article puts it – just not being able to enjoy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Nutella in a world that treats them like the food of the gods. Being allergic to peanuts can mean facing serious – if not deadly – health consequences if you eat the wrong thing.
Food allergies – including peanut allergies – affect millions of people every year. It’s something we’re all too aware of as a maker and provider of wholesale nut-free chocolate and candy.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why nut allergies should be taken seriously and why nut-free options are important.
What are the symptoms of a peanut allergy?
Symptoms of peanut allergies include:
- Itching or tingly in the mouth or throat
- Hives
- Nausea
- Congestion or a runny nose
The most serious – but thankfully less common – symptom is anaphylaxis, a dangerous whole-body reaction to peanuts or other allergens. Symptoms include trouble breathing, swelling in the throat, dizziness or fainting, a sudden loss of blood pressure, and blue lips or pale skin.
Unless epinephrine – adrenaline – is injected right away, anaphylaxis can prove deadly.
How many kids have peanut allergies?
It’s a growing number, according to a 2017 report from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Their findings suggest that the number of children with peanut allergies in America has grown by 21 percent since 2010.
The ACAAI also concluded that 2.5 percent of all children in America may have a peanut allergy.
How can I manage my child’s peanut allergy?
Parents who have children with peanut or food allergies know that keeping them safe means more than just “stay away from that food.”
You need to stay vigilant. Here are a few ways you can make sure your child stays safe.
- Be ready for a serious allergic reaction by keeping epinephrine injectors with you at all times and making sure you know how to use them.
- Have your child wear a medical ID bracelet.
- Read labels. Even a trace amount of peanuts can be deadly. Food makers are required by law to state when their product contains peanuts or other allergens.
- Avoid cross contact at home by keeping your kitchen clean to prevent allergens from spreading.
- Talk to your child’s school and summer camp about their allergy. Find out more about their food preparation and cleaning procedures. The same goes for restaurants.
Skip’s Candies is your source for wholesale nut-free chocolate
For more than 25 years, Skip’s Candies has dedicated itself to providing the best in
In 2011, we opened a dedicated nut-free facility and purchase our raw materials and finished products from manufacturers who either work in a nut-free environment or have dedicated nut-free areas and/or follow safe cleaning and handling practices. Contact us today to learn more about our retail and wholesale nut-free chocolate options.