Fear/Peanut Allergy

just picked my son up from the nurse's office at school. He has severe PA since 2 years old. He is afraid to eat lunch at school although they have a peanut free table with other PA kids. He keeps his shirt over his nose and mouth when he's afraid. I quess some of the kids are teasing him. He has not had an exposure in the past 5 years. But his fear is starting to interfere with daily activities. The school district has set up an appointment with the social worker. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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[National Jewish Health]

You are correct to perceive this as a very serious problem.  However studies have shown that approximately 20% of children may outgrow their sensitivity to peanuts.  From your description, your son may be in this situation.  This could be determined by having your son evaluated by a board certified allergist with a special interest in peanut allergy.  If your son is still allergic to peanut it is important that you work with your son’s doctor to develop a plan of action to be followed.  Then this could be shared with the school so that the school staff and you know what to do if this happens in the future.  Since this could be a life-long problem please consider counseling to help your son cope better with his fear so that it stops interfering with his daily activities.

If traveling to Denver, Colorado is feasible for you, National Jewish Medical and Research Center would be the ideal place for you to bring your son for a complete evaluation.  Please read our food allergy information at http://www.nationaljewish.org/disease-info/diseases/allergy/about/allergic-to/food.aspx to learn more.  Another place to get good information is the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network at http://www.foodallergy.org or [phone].