To review the current and future treatments for peanut allergy.
Data Sources:
Literature review was conducted via MEDLINE (1996–October 2003) using OVID and PubMed. The following terms were used: food allergy, peanut allergy, anti-IgE, antihistamine, anaphylaxis, and epinephrine.
Data Synthesis:
Peanut allergy is an immunoglobulin (Ig) E–mediated type I reaction, which is the leading cause of fatal and near-fatal food allergy. Proper diagnosis and treatment plans for patients with peanut allergy are essential. Many patients who have a known life-threatening allergy are far too often unprepared. New treatments aimed at reduction or prevention of anaphylactic reactions are in development.
Conclusions:
Education on the understanding of how to avoid peanut proteins and how to identify signs and symptoms of food allergy is the number one tool in treatment of peanut allergy. The second tool is an easily accessible physician-ordered treatment plan, which includes signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, proper medications with dosing and administration instructions, and contact numbers. Medications must be available at all times.
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