There are a few different allergies in the medical world which can be extremely deadly and troublesome for those who suffer from them. Peanut allergy is amongst them.
It is usually developed throughout childhood and becomes a lifelong complication that has to be dealt with.
In the US, the estimated number of reported people with peanut and tree nut allergies is just over three million. Between 1997 and 2008, the number of people with peanut allergies has tripled.
It is estimated that nearly 2,000 people are hospitalized each year due to food allergies. The estimated rate of death due to all food allergies is about 150 people (children and adults) per year.
About the peanut allergies
Unfortunately, a specific reason for peanut allergy has not been determined. There have been many studies which contradict each other regarding soy milk or soy products being positively correlated with peanut allergies, but all research has proven to be inconclusive due to contradicting results.
One attempt to shed some light on why people and children develop allergic reactions to peanuts, and many other foods, is the hygiene hypothesis.
This is an idea which states that lack of exposure to common bacteria, symbiotic microorganisms, and parasites throughout early childhood can cause the immune system of the child to suppress the natural development of proper immune tolerance.
This hypothesis was formulated by David Strachan around 1989 as a way to explain the rapid rise of allergic diseases in the 20th century.
He speculated that lowered incidents of infection during early childhood was causing weak immune tolerance development, thus creating immune systems more susceptible to allergens.
In simpler terms, our increased hygiene and effective deterrence of microorganisms and bacteria is reducing infection levels in children but is also making them more susceptible to allergic reactions.
There have been some studies that support this hypothesis. One of these studies points to the evidence that eating peanuts early in life may decrease the risk of allergies at a later time.
Because of this study, the American Academy of Pediatrics rescinded their recommendation to delay exposure to peanuts and other potentially allergic foods.
Furthermore, a study in 2014 determined that consuming peanuts during pregnancy by women without peanut allergies reduces the chances that their children will develop peanut allergies.
Can peanut allergies by cured or treated?
Regrettably, there is currently no cure for peanut allergies or any way to treat those who are allergic.
The only thing that people can do who have allergies to peanuts is avoid them completely. People who have been exposed to peanuts or peanut dust for an extended amount of time or who have consumed peanuts without knowledge may go into anaphylaxis, which is a severe and potentially dangerous allergic reaction.
Your immune system can flood the body with chemicals in an attempt to counteract the allergic reaction but this can also cause it to go into shock, suddenly dropping your blood pressure and narrowing airways, making it impossible to breathe.
The only thing that can stop anaphylactic shock is an epinephrine injection. This is why most people who have allergies choose to carry an epipen.
What exactly is the Viaskin Peanut Patch?
Over the past few years, a company by the name DBV Technologies has developed and been testing a wearable patch which they intend to use for the treatment of peanut allergy.
This patch is worn by children and young adults who have peanut allergies. It administers a very small dosage of peanut protein through the skin as its being worn.
The idea behind it is simple: develop a stronger immune system which can tolerate the ingestion of peanuts.
The results of the clinical trials which were conducted by the company have been very promising.
Volunteers of ages between 4 and 25 were given three different types of patches: a low dosage patch (100mg of peanut protein), a high dosage patch (250mg of peanut protein), or a placebo patch.
They were instructed to change the patch every day and apply it to their arm or between their shoulders.
All participants were able to use the patch with extreme ease. After one year of the clinical trials, both low dosage and high dosage treatment showed 46 percent and 48 percent (respectively) of the volunteers to have successfully increased tolerance to peanuts.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of the patch was more prominent in those volunteers who were between the ages of 4 and 11.
Higher rate of success in younger volunteers was expected, since strengthening the immune system is easier in developing subjects.
The clinical study will be continued for another year and a half, and afterwards all of the participants will be tested once again.
At a later date, the company is planning to start larger scale clinical trials to further establish positive results of the Viaskin Peanut Patch.
So far the clinical trials which have been conducted are very promising. Future trials and their success will determine how fast you will see this product available through your doctor for the treatment of your peanut allergy.
The Peanut Allergies Review Summary
Considering that there currently is no clear treatment for those who suffer from peanut allergies, this is really good news.
Although some immunotherapy methods do exist at the moment, most involve oral intake, which is difficult for many people.
The Viaskin Peanut Patch offers an alternative to the oral intake method, which has certainly proven to be a more viable method of peanut protein delivery. Perhaps once the US Food and Drug administration approves this patch, peanut allergy resistance development via this method will be more widely accepted.
The potentially deadly allergic reactions can become tolerable by the body so that accidental consumptions of peanuts will no longer be a life threatening event.
With a little bit more time and some more research, peanut allergies can become more easily manageable.
You will no longer have to pay the excruciatingly painful amounts of money for life saving epipens and instead will be able to freely dine in any establishment without a worry on your mind. Until then, stay safe and be vigilant.
