Peanut allergies have become widespread with more and more schoolchildren diagnosed with this life-threatening allergy condition. As the body considers peanuts as a harmful matter, the body's immune system tries to ward off the infection and "overreacts and releases chemicals, including histamine, into [the] blood" (WebMD, 2011). The exact reasons for developing allergy on peanuts are unknown, but this is considered as one of the most severe types of allergies. In the United States, an estimated 1.5 million people have peanut allergy, including the adults. The numbers are increasing and affect not only First World countries, but developing countries as well. This can be fatal to the sufferer and sometimes, even a touch from someone who just ate or touched peanuts can already stimulate a reaction.
Peanut allergy may be categorized as mild or serious. Mild peanut allergy, often referred to as intolerance, is usually characterized by heartburn and stomach problems. An allergic reaction often results "within minutes after exposure, and symptoms range from mild to severe" (Mayo Clinic Staff). Symptoms include itchiness, red rashes, tightening of the throat, swelling of the tongue, dizziness, difficulty breathing, abdominal pains, runny nose, mouth and lips tingling, and shortness of breath, among others (Mayo Clinic Staff). Aside from these symptoms, other signs of more severe reactions include wheezing similar to asthma attack, fast heart rate, and low blood pressure. This serious reaction is called anaphylaxis, which often requires emergency treatment (The Peanut Institute) because the sufferer may lose consciousness, which could lead to coma. This is the reason why most people with severe allergies often bring allergy kits with them.
Some people are predisposed to this type of allergy especially those exposed to risk factors. Age is the number one factor that can cause peanut allergy. Children are more prone to allergies because their digestive systems are still underdeveloped. However, as they age and their digestive system improves, there is also the possibility of overcoming various types of food allergies. In connection to this premise, studies show that children who were not exposed to peanuts before the age of four seldom developed peanut allergy (The Peanut Institute).
Although there are individuals who outgrow their allergy on peanuts, some bring the allergy into adulthood. In some cases, it may appear that the allergy has been outgrown, but in truth, the chance of a recurring peanut allergy is probable. Presence of other allergies also contributes to inclination to peanut allergy, especially if one is also allergic to seafood, dairy, and other food types. Genes also play a part because allergic reactions to food or other triggers may be inherited.
In an interview with Dr. Michael Yang, Assistant Clinical Professor at Harvard Medical School, Yang claims, "peanut allergies have been increasing over the last [10 to 15 years] One contributing factor may be that very young children, as well as pregnant women and nursing mothers, are eating greater amounts of peanuts these days, particularly in the form of peanut butter" (Yang). The "Hygiene Hypothesis" (The Peanut Institute) is another theory that is attributed to the emergence of alarming peanut allergy cases. The hypothesis is all about how, with modern Science and advancements in the medical field, an individual's immune system weakens due to availment of various immunizations. In addition, because of too much emphasis put on hygienic or sanitary environments, the body's immune system "do not have to fight as they once did, so they become weak" (The Peanut Institute). With less contact to microbes and communicable agents, as Yang argues, "children now have fewer infections (due to improved hygiene), their immune systems are more likely to target the environment and diet, resulting in allergies".
Because of this, news about peanut allergies occurring in schools or even the workplace have been extensive, especially since it is one of the known types of allergies now and one that cannot be easily controlled by the individual. For instance, a schoolchild who eats lunch at school may accidentally consume food with peanuts as one of the ingredients. Even inhaling the smell of peanuts can already trigger an attack. Although instances of respiratory problems have not been established yet, there is proof that it can cause skin reactions to individuals allergic to peanuts. Adults suffer the same fate considering that they are more exposed to various kinds of foods and environments where peanuts may be served.
As such, questions arise whether peanuts should be banned in public places that children as well as adults frequently go to. According to studies, allergens are airborne and may easily be inhaled by people prone to allergies. Thus, concern is growing regarding the banning of peanuts in school cafeterias in order to eliminate instances of peanut allergies. Some schools have begun pushing for a nut-free cafeteria, while others are still weighing in the consequences. With parents joining in the caravan of discussions whether or not to ban nuts in schools, the faction between parents is growing with those who have children who are allergic to nuts going wild against those who oppose the banning. Some even go to the extent of calling parents who are against a nuts-free school heartless and inconsiderate for not even seeing how dangerous and deadly it could be for the children suffering from peanut allergy.
Michelle Goodman, a mother of a seven-year old suffering from childhood diabetes, has this to say about plans to ban peanut in public places,
"This is not a fair solution to the problem. The child has to learn how to avoid and protect himself from peanut allergies so he knows what to do when he is in public places. Will you also ban sugar from school to protect diabetic children? I would guess not because these children need to learn to adapt and understand the consequences of their actions if they eat stuff they are not supposed to consume. While I understand the need to protect the children, I do not think banning peanut or peanut butter is not the solution. Educate the children instead."
The same thing goes for adults in their work environments. They are constantly exposed to various triggers and they have to adjust and learn more about the allergy to protect themselves from an allergy attack. Experts also share the same sentiments as Goodman does. Bans are not the solution to the problem. In fact, experts say that bans "give a false sense of security" (The Peanut Institute) because only one allergy type is being addressed and not a host of other types of allergies. If banning is the solution, then all other foods that trigger allergy attacks and other ailments must also be banned in public places. Therefore, the best solution is to educate the school, the teachers, cafeteria personnel, parents, and most importantly, the students themselves, about the consequences of eating peanuts for those who are at high risk of developing an allergy. In addition, this should also include educating the school body about treatment options and first aid in case they, or someone they know at school, manifest symptoms of the allergy. Right now, the only places where a ban is seen as logical is at daycare centers where toddlers spend most of their time when the parents are away.
How then should schools move towards a solution to the problem? Yang states that schools should treat the peanut allergy problem on a per-child basis. He says that the school must identify who among the students are allergic to peanuts and with the help of the child's pediatrician, the child should have a "written action plan" as to what actions to take or who to call in cases of an allergy attack. Yang also suggests that schools may opt to have "peanut-free zones in the cafeteria", teach students that food sharing is not allowed, and to always wash the hands before and after meals (Yang).
As for adults, it is expected that they are more knowledgeable about their condition, thus, they should always be prepared by bringing with them an allergy kit. If the company they work for has a clinic, then it is best to check if the clinic is equipped to handle cases related to peanut attacks, otherwise, suggest that the company address such possibilities.
Another method that is currently under study is called "oral immunotherapy" (The Peanut Institute) wherein patients with severe cases of peanut allergy are slowly being exposed to peanut allergen. It has shown some promise on the treatment of the peanut allergy as published in the 2009 journal, Allergy. However, experts say they are not sure yet whether this "promotes a long term tolerance to the peanut allergen, or if subjects are desensitized to the allergen only if they continue daily treatment" (The Peanut Institute), but at least, something is being done to combat the problem.
The growing incidence of people reacting to peanuts leads some doctors to infer that humans may be changing the body's composition and immune system by keeping a too sanitized environment, which eliminates the presence of microbes. Because of this, the immune system does not do what it is supposed to do, which is to fight off bacteria and infections. Without these threats to the immune system, it weakens and becomes target to various diseases and allergies. Until a solution to eradicate peanut allergy is discovered, it will remain a threat to the health of people suffering from it. For now, banning is not a solution to the problem, but education about the condition is.
Works Cited
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Peanut Allergy.” mayoclinic.com. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2012. Web. 5 Dec 2012 < http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/peanut-allergy/DS00710>.
Michelle Goodman. Personal Interview. 4 Dec 2012.
The Peanut Institute. "Peanut Allergy." peanut-institute.org, 2010. Web. 5 Dec 2012
WebMD. Healthwise, Incorporated. 2011. Web. 4 Dec 2012
Yang, Michael. Interview by pbskidsgo.org/Arthur. Pbskidsgo.org. Pbskidsgo.org. n.d. Web. 5 Dec 2012
