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Peanut allergy.(Pediatric Advisor)(Disease/Disorder overview)
- Article from:
- Clinical Reference Systems
- Article date:
- November 1, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2008 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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What is a peanut allergy?
A peanut allergy is a reaction by your child's immune system to peanuts. Our immune systems normally respond to bacteria or viruses that attack the body. With a food allergy, the body's immune system attacks harmless things, such as the proteins found in peanuts. Peanuts are among the 8 foods that are responsible for most food allergies in children. The other foods include milk, soy, eggs, tree nuts (such as walnuts and cashews), wheat, fish, and shellfish. Many children grow out of food allergies to egg, milk, or soy, but it is less likely that children will grow out of peanut or tree nut allergies.
Most healthcare providers ...