Argumentative essay: Peanut allergy (Essay Sample)

Module 5 case multi-source argumentative essay: Peanut allergy
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Module 5 case multi-source argumentative essay: Peanut allergy
Introduction
Peanut allergy is a condition in which an individual is hypersensitive to peanuts as well as peanut products which results in severe symptoms once these substances are consumed (Sheikh, Nurmatov, Venderbosch & Bischoff, 2011). There has been a significant increase in food allergies as well as other atopic medical conditions in the recent years. According to Liem, Huq, Kozyrskyj and Becker (2008), peanut butter’s allergy raised to 1.8% from 0.5% ten years ago. One of the major food allergies that have been on the increase in the recent years is the so called peanut allergy.
This kind of allergy is regarded to be the leading cause of near-fatal and fatal food related anaphylaxis (Liem, Huq, Kozyrskyj & Becker, 2008). Thus, peanut allergy has resulted in a lot of stress among the parents who have peanut-allergic children. This is because of such parents’ attempts to ensure that there is a peanut-free environment within the play environments, home and school. Additionally, peanut allergy has introduced a dilemma among the school administrators on whether or not to ban peanuts for all students. Furthermore, there have been ongoing debates on the necessary modifications that should be made in the workplace and the school settings in order to control peanut allergies. Another ongoing debate is on whether or not the allergists should perform allergy tests on food before giving it to peanut-allergic people. This research paper will take a critical analysis on the causes and solutions for peanut allergies.
Symptoms of peanut allergy
Various studies have been conducted to determine the common symptoms of peanut allergy and have classified such symptoms into major and minor. Besides, it has been established that peanut allergy is most prevalent among children compared to adults. The symptoms of peanut allergy can span from a slight irritation to anaphylaxis, which is a life threatening condition (Mayo Clinic, 2014). This implies that some of the symptoms of peanut allergy are mild and harmless will others are severe and could result in fatalities. For instance, scholars argue that even small quantities of peanuts can cause severe reactions in some individuals with peanut allergy. On the other hand, peanut allergy is peanut allergy is regarded to be among the leading causes of serious allergic attacks (Mayo Clinic, 2014). This means that the mild reactions to peanuts can pose the risk of severe future reactions.
In general, allergic reactions to peanuts normally take place a few minutes after an individual has been exposed to peanuts or peanut products. There are various symptoms of peanut allergy ranging from mild to severe. The mild symptoms of peanut allergy include skin reactions, tingling or itching of around or in the throat and mouth, digestive problems and runny nose (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). The severe symptoms of peanut allergy include "tightening of the throat”, wheezing or shortness of breath and anaphylaxis. With this regard, anaphylaxis refers to a medical emergency requiring treatment with an injector and epinephrine (Mayo Clinic, 2014). This condition is characterized by rapid pulse, shock, loss of consciousness and difficulty in breathing.
The possible solutions to peanut allergy
A number of solutions have been proposed for preventing peanut allergy especially among children. One of the possible solutions to peanut allergy is preventing expose of consumption of peanuts as well as peanut products among peanut-allergic people. In the same note, Sheikh, Nurmatov, Venderbosch and Bischoff (2011) argue that the swallowing of peanut butter by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers have a higher chance of onset of peanut allergy. This implies that pregnant and lactating mothers should avoid ingesting peanuts in order to reduce the risk of developing peanut allergy for the children. However, critics contend that there is a lack of adequate empirical evidence to link the consumption of peanuts with the risk factor of peanut allergy. As a result, there is a need for more research work to establish the correlation between the consumption of peanuts and the development of peanut allergy among lactating or unborn babies.
Moreover, research evidence suggests that there is increased risk of developing peanut allergy among children who suffers from atopic dermatitis whose inflamed skin had been attended to using creams that contain peanut oil (Sheikh, Nurmatov, Venderbosch & Bischoff, 2011). This implies that another possible solution to peanut allergies is to avoid the use of peanut products such as creams. This seems to be a plausible solution to the problem since peanut allergy symptoms are often triggered by the consumption of both peanuts as well as peanut products. In this regard, Liem, Huq, Kozyrskyj and Becker (2008) assert that avoidance of peanut-containing products and peanuts among allergic individuals is the cornerstone for managing peanut allergies. However, the main challenge to this solution is that currently there is the widespread utilization of in various food products. In addition, the constant fear among allergic individuals over food choices may compromise their quality of life.
There is a debate over whether or not to conduct tests on food in order to determine whether the food contains allergens. In this case, the proponents of food tests contend that such move will prevent the occurrence of adverse reactions among allergic people. However, Liem, Huq, Kozyrskyj and Becker (2008) argue that allergists are not required to perform testing on any food prior to the development of apparent adverse reactions to the particular food substance. This is so because performing testing to food result in sensitization to foods. This means that such testing on food can make some people to be sensitive to some foods even if they are not allergic. Thus, the is a dilemma on conducting testing on food substances before ascertaining that an individual is allergic to that particular food substance.
On the other hand, the schools have a great role to play towards alleviating peanut allergies among school-going children. This is due to the fact that these children spend more time in school than at home. Therefore, the school administrators should ensure that there is a peanut-free environment in the educational setting. However, critics argue that banning all peanuts as well as peanut-containing substances may not be a solution to peanut allergy. In this case, Dowdie (2014) claims that it is necessary to...