Peanut Allergies – another school case in the news

Another Peanut Allergy case has made national news. The Today Show covered a story about a school in Florida that is in the middle of a peanut protest. Parents are upset and feel that the school is infringing on their rights and the rights of snack time. Watch the today show video to see what everyone is so upset about.

Here are a few facts about peanut allergies. An allergic reaction to peanuts usually occurs within minutes being exposed, and symptoms range from mild to severe. If there is a family history to peanuts or a sensitivity to other foods then you should be checked by your doctor for possible allergies. It is estimated that the most common cause of food-related death is because of a peanut allergy. The FDA reports that 3.9% of children under the age of 18 have some food allergy – this is up 10% from last decade. Peanut allergy occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies peanut proteins as something bad or harmful. When someone with a peanut allergy is exposed their immune system releases chemicals into their bloodstream that cause them to have a reaction. Symptoms can range from a mild rash to as severe as a trip the the emergency room. For more information on Peanut allergies go here.