Update on Peanut Allergy in Children

Abstract

Unlike other food allergies commonly seen in childhood, peanut allergy is often severe and life-long. The current literature on pediatric peanut allergy focuses on the increasing prevalence, risk factors, genetics and clinical characteristics. Diagnosis of clinically-relevant peanut allergy involves the combination of patient history with testing for the presence of peanut-specific IgE. There is currently no available cure for food allergy, so primary therapy concentrates on the prevention of exposure to peanut and readiness to manage a reaction. Life-saving treatment of anaphylaxis secondary to accidental peanut exposure involves immediate epinephrine injection. Future research will involve the generation of novel therapeutic approaches including immunotherapy and vaccinations, which will hopefully improve the quality of life for peanut-allergic patients and their families. This article reviews the latest reported findings and ongoing scientific research on these topics.