“He broke out in hives”
Keshav was only two years old when he had his first allergic reaction. Keshav’s mum, Leena stated: “It wasn'tactually a reaction to peanuts that we came in for at the beginning. We had received some Indian sweets called Kaju Katri at Diwali which contained cashew powder. As soon as Keshav tried it, he broke out in hives all over his face and body, and his eyes and ears were swollen."
After going into A&E and undergoing a skin prick test, Keshav was diagnosed with cashew and peanut allergies. It was during a conversation with a nurse and the allergy consultant at a later routine check-up appointment that Leena was informed about a research trial which aimed to desensitise children from the adverse effects of exposure to peanuts, and create positive changes to the immune system over time.
“The trial has been a godsend”
The trial began with fortnightly appointments during which Keshav was given very small doses of peanut powder, first at hospital and then later at home. The doses were gradually increased over time. Leena said: “It has been a godsend and everyone was just amazing.”
“It has been well worth it”
The trial proved a success for Keshav, who eats six peanuts every day as part of the ongoing effort to keep his tolerance levels up. Since then, the family has felt comfortable enough to take their son abroad. Leena added: “We feel less pressure and stressed knowing that he's not going to have a severe reaction. My main priority was that he had the freedom to travel. We will still need to remain vigilant, but at least now I know that [a reaction] won't be severe and we won't be rushing to hospital, which is quite relieving. It's been two years of hard work, but I think it has been well worth it.”
Allergy Awareness Week takes place between April 24-30 in 2023 and aims to raise awareness of allergies. Peanut allergy is a potentially serious condition that disproportionately affects children and is associated with severe allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis.
For more information about children’s allergy research, contact our friendly team on Christina.daines@uhl-tr.nhs.uk or call 0116 258 6907.
