Current Technology
Right now, almost 1.5 million children in this country alone have peanut allergies. Currently, there is no cure for peanut allergies, and the small amount of treatments that we do have, only ease the symptoms of the allergic reaction.Anaphylaxis is a type of allergic reaction. It can sometimes be very severe. Anaphylaxis is a dysfunction in the immune system. It occurs when the body mistakenly identifies the proteins inside peanut oil as a harmful substance for the body. So it does whatever it can to get rid of it. Anaphylaxis can occur with many other problem foods, it is at it’s strongest point when someone who is allergic to peanuts eats a food containing them.The symptoms of anaphylaxis can range from a runny nose, to swelling of the throat, which can cause death.
The cure for peanut allergies is called The Epipen. The current technology that is used to help children with peanut allergies is the Epipen and the Epipen Jr. EpiPens are used when there is an or life threatening situation. Epi-pens cure the reaction of insect bites, insect stings, and food. Epi-pens contain epinephrine, the only available treatment for anaphylaxis.The difference between the Epi-Pen and the Epipen Jr is, Epi-Pens are for patients who weigh 66 pounds or more, and injects 0.3 mg of epinephrine. The Epipen Jr is for patients who weigh about 33-66 pounds, and injects 0.15 mg of epinephrine.
There is a lot more that needs to be done to completely cure anaphylaxis. The amount of children that have peanut allergies are rising each and every year. Hopefully, in the next few years there will be a reliable cure for the millions of people who have suffered from this life-threatening condition. Then, we can all enjoy the wonderful sensation of peanuts.
Click below to learn more about the Epic-Pen!