March is National Peanut month and according to the National Peanut Board, peanuts contribute more than $4 billion to the USA economy each year. However, peanut allergies are on the rise. The ACAAI found one study that concluded peanut allergies in children more than tripled from 1997 to 2008 with about 400,000 children in the US with a peanut allergy. While peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a staple in the school cafeteria, it could be life threatening for those children with peanut allergies. Anaphylaxis, a life threatening reaction, usually occurs within minutes but can occur up to several hours after eating peanuts. Do you or your child have a peanut allergy? Are you prepared with the right medications to treat a reaction? Call our office today to get a handle on your peanut (or other) allergy…(205) 943-1197
Common symptoms associated with allergic response to peanuts:
- Skin reactions, such as hives, redness or swelling
- Itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat
- Digestive problems, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting
- Tightening of the throat
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Runny nose
Anaphylaxis signs and symptoms can include all of the above, plus:
- Constriction of airways
- Swelling of your throat that makes it difficult to breathe
- A severe drop in blood pressure (shock)
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousnes
Here are some fun facts about peanuts (or not so fun if you’re allergic to them) for National Peanut Month:
- It takes about 540 peanuts to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter.
- There are enough peanuts in one acre to make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches. Find out how peanuts grow.
- By law, any product labeled “peanut butter” in the United States must be at least 90 percent peanuts.
- The world’s largest peanut butter factory churns out 250,000 jars of the tasty treat every day.
- Four of the top 10 candy bars manufactured in the USA contain peanuts or peanut butter.
- Peanuts account for two-thirds of all snack nuts consumed in the USA.
- Peanuts contribute more than $4 billion to the USA economy each year.
- Americans spend almost $800 million a year on peanut butter.
- The average peanut farm is 100 acres.
- Peanut butter/peanut paste is the leading use of peanuts produced in the U.S. (1/2); followed by snack nuts and in-shells (1/4); and, candy and confections (1/4).
- Peanuts are the #1 snack nut consumed in the U.S., accounting for two-thirds of the snack nut market.