Details
Story
- Immediately after 4 year old Mohammed ate peanut butter for the first time he developed hives, lip swelling and became wheezy.
- He did eat cashew nuts and liked Nutella chocolate spread.
- He had been admitted to hospital twice this year for his asthma.
Medical review
- Mohammed was seen in the children’s allergy clinic.
- Skin prick tests to peanut were positive.
- His parents were given information about peanut allergy. He was told to avoid peanut-containing foods in the future and be careful eating out, as Indian food can contain hidden sources of peanuts. He was allowed to continue to eat the Nutella spread and cashew nuts if there was no risk of contamination with peanuts.
- He was also provided with an allergy management plan, which included cetirizine and an EpiPen junior. The parents were shown how to use the adrenaline pen at the clinic appointment and given a trainer pen so they could practice.
- His asthma was reviewed and inhaler technique also checked in clinic. His GP was asked to check his asthma control in 2 months time.
- He was given a review appointment for 12 months time.
Learning point
- 1 in 50 children in the UK have a peanut allergy.
- In most, it is life-long and the mainstay of treatment is avoidance of peanuts.
- Having a peanut allergy does not always mean that the child can’t eat other nuts. Your doctor will advise if it is safe for your child to eat other nuts and which nuts are allowed.
- Some but not all children need an adrenaline pen. If they do, they must be shown how to use it by the person prescribing the pen, otherwise it will be of little use and could lead to serious needle-stick injuries.
- Bad allergic reactions to peanuts are more common if the child’s asthma is poorly controlled. It is very important that if they have asthma, they take their inhalers regularly and correctly.
Case Studies Details
- 27 Apr 2017
- CASE STUDIES