Peanuts are commonly used as an ingredient in a large variety of processed foods, particularly baked goods, ice cream, and candies. As even trace amounts of peanuts may provoke an allergic reaction in a peanut-allergic per-son, these foods should be strictly avoided. Frequently, food manufacturing equipment used to process sun-flower seeds and tree nut butters are used to process peanut-containing foods, thus resulting in possible contamination of these foods with peanut protein.
In the event that a peanut-allergic patient does consume a small amount of peanut protein, the possibility of a reaction will be most closely related to the amount of peanut eaten, the patient’s level of allergic sensitivity, and the type of organ system involvement that has occurred in the past (e.g., mild hives versus severe anaphylaxis). If a patient is aware of having eaten a noticeable amount of peanuts, is highly peanut-sensitive, and has a history of major systemic symptoms after consuming peanuts,epinephrine should be administered by injection and the patient should be closely observed over the next few hours.
If symptoms do develop despite the administration of epinephrine, the patient should be given another dose of epinephrine within 15 minutes of the first dose and should then be taken to the nearest emergency room. If symptoms appear to be progressing, particularly if there is involvement of breathing or severe dizziness, the patient should be transported by ambulance.