Peanut allergies are becoming increasingly common in the United States, affecting one in 50 children and one in 200 adults. This rise in allergies over the past two decades has left researchers searching for answers as to why this is happening. However, there have been several breakthroughs in treatment options for those with peanut allergies, offering hope for a safer future where individuals can potentially eat without fear of an allergic reaction.
One such treatment option is a peanut patch that individuals wear daily for several months with the hope of building up a tolerance to peanuts. Elizabeth Billeter, the mother of five-year-old Kaleb who has a dangerous peanut allergy, closely monitors her son’s use of the patch.
Another treatment being explored by experts like Dr. Edwin Kim, a pediatric allergist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, is oral immunotherapy where individuals consume small amounts of peanut flour to retrain their immune system. Dr. Kim’s research has also found that administering small amounts of liquid peanut extract under the tongue can desensitize young children to their peanut allergy. In one trial, 80 percent of toddlers were able to tolerate 15 peanuts without any symptoms by the end of the study.
Researchers are also investigating the use of a toothpaste that contains peanut protein to trigger immune cells in the mouth. By absorbing the peanut protein while brushing their teeth, individuals may experience a less severe allergic reaction if exposed to peanuts. While this treatment won’t cure the allergy, it can help make the body’s response less life-threatening. These advancements in treatment offer hope for individuals living with peanut allergies and their families.
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