How to Treat Peanut Allergy Reactions

Peanut allergies are among the most severe food allergies. The greatest risk of a peanut allergy attack is a anaphylactic reaction; which can cause a severe and whole body reaction upon exposure. Because peanut allergies are serious and becoming more common, it's important to know how to treat an allergic reaction if you're diagnosed or are responsible for caring for someone with an allergy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Use the medication liquid diphenhydramine at the first sign of an allergic reaction. Diphenhydramine is an over-the-counter antihistamine that can help diminish an allergic reaction such as hives or swelling.

2. Inject yourself or a small child with epinephrine "EPI pen." This is a shot of adrenaline that can help open up airways if you're having difficulty breathing or a tightening in your throat during the onset of a reaction.

3. Head to the Emergency Room. After taking the medications you have on hand, go straight to the ER where the medical staff will be able to provide further treatment. They may want to keep you for observation to ensure a delayed attack (biphasic) doesn't occur.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid exposure to peanuts altogether.
• If you have known allergies, carry the diphenhydramine and epinephrine medcations with you at all times to treat a reaction immediately.
• Recognize the common symptoms of an allergic reaction. Many of these symptoms are: hives, itching around the mouth, abdominal pain or nausea, tongue swelling or a flushed face. Take diphenhydramine immediately if you feel any of these symptoms after eating.

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