Peanut Allergy in Children
Specialist assessment, testing and management of peanut allergy in children across Belfast and Northern Ireland.
Peanut allergy is one of the most common and potentially serious food allergies in children. Unlike many childhood food allergies, peanut allergy often persists into adulthood and can cause severe, life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis).
Dr Mugilan Anandarajan is a Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in allergy, eczema and respiratory conditions. He provides specialist peanut allergy assessment, component testing and management for children at Kingsbridge Private Hospital and Ulster Independent Clinic in Belfast.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Hives, itching, swelling of the lips or face, runny nose, watery eyes, stomach pain, vomiting
Throat tightening, difficulty swallowing, hoarse voice, severe breathing difficulty
Life-threatening reaction involving the airways, breathing and circulation — requires immediate adrenaline
Symptoms typically appear within minutes of exposure, though delayed reactions can occur
Some children react to trace amounts; others tolerate small quantities — threshold varies between individuals
When to Seek Specialist Assessment
- Your child has had a reaction after eating peanuts or peanut-containing foods
- You are unsure whether your child has peanut allergy and want a definitive diagnosis
- Your child has been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector for peanut allergy
- You want to know whether your child has outgrown their peanut allergy
- You need guidance on safe peanut introduction for a high-risk infant
- Your child has eczema and you are concerned about peanut allergy risk
Allergy Testing Methods
Skin Prick Testing
A quick, reliable test using peanut extract. Results are available within 15–20 minutes and help determine whether IgE-mediated peanut allergy is present.
Specific IgE Blood Testing
Measures peanut-specific IgE antibodies in the blood. Can be performed when skin prick testing is not possible.
Component Testing (Ara h 2)
Advanced molecular testing that identifies specific peanut proteins. Ara h 2 positivity is associated with a higher risk of severe reactions.
Management & Treatment Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Early introduction of peanut is now recommended for most infants to reduce the risk of developing peanut allergy. If your baby is at higher risk (due to eczema or egg allergy), Dr Anandarajan can advise on the safest approach to peanut introduction.