When will there be a peanut allergy cure?

Why do i need an epipen for a peanut allergy (no anaphylaxis)?

• I've been allergic to peanuts my whole life, my only reaction being an itchy tongue and an upset stomach (which sometimes results in self-induced vomiting because it gets pretty uncomfortable). I've never had any symptoms of anaphylaxis. Occasionally when I eat out, I'll accidentaly eat something that has peanuts but I'll just suck it up and deal with it so I won't be a nuisance. However, after a skin test, my allergy specialist requires that I carry an epipen at all times. He said anyone who has a peanut allergy is at a risk of anaphylaxis and must carry one. I've never owned an epi-pen or used one before. I know many people with the same allergy and none of them have ever been told to buy an epi-pen. Anyway, I think my specialist is being too cautious. I need a letter from an allergy specialist saying that my peanut allergy is minor and I don't require an epipen so I can join the army. I would go to see another, but he is the only specialist in town. So what should I do now? Would all allergy specialists say the same thing? would I get a different opinion if I went somewhere else for allergy testing? Thanks in advance for the help

• Answer:

  I am sensitive to peanuts, not allergic. There is a difference between being sensitive and being allergic. If you test positive on a skin test for nuts you could be allergic or sensitive. According to my allergist only a blood test can determine which you have. If you have not had a blood test, then you should get one. However if you really are allergic you could eventually go into shock and die. Stop eating nuts. I have similar symptoms to you, but not as bad. I stopped eating peanuts and do not have to have an epi pen.