The Peanut Solution
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Nearly 2 million kids in the United States are allergic to peanuts. Brett Treichel, 13, is one of them. For Brett and others who are allergic, even a tiny bit of peanut can be dangerous. “I have to be careful for life,” Brett told TFK.
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Allergic to peanuts? Exposure can cause the throat to swell. This can make it hard to breathe.
KATERYNA BIBRO—GETTY IMAGESA New Treatment
Help could be on the way. A new treatment is being developed
develop
HERO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
to create something over a period of time
(verb)
We've developed a new way to use recycled bottles.
. It will help children who are allergic tolerate
tolerate
TERRY VINE/GETTY
to put up with; to withstand
(verb)
The gardener recommended several plants that can tolerate drought.
peanuts. A child is given a tiny bit of peanut powder. For most kids, this will not cause a bad reaction
reaction
FAUZAN MAUDUDDIN/EYEEM/GETTY IMAGES
the way a body responds to a drug, food, etc.
(noun)
Chuck had an allergic reaction to the bee sting.
. More powder is added. This is done a little at a time. The goal is to increase the amount of peanut that a kid can handle.
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Kids with a peanut allergy have to be careful about what they eat and even who they sit with at lunch.
MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGES/GETTY IMAGESThe treatment isn’t a cure for peanut allergies. But experts hope it will help kids avoid a life-threatening reaction. “It gives peace of mind to kids and parents,” says Sayantani Sindher. She is a researcher who worked on the treatment. “It improves their quality
quality
HERO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
how good or bad something is
(noun)
The quality of the food at the bake sale is very good.
of life.”
WARNING: Don’t try this treatment at home. It must be done under a doctor’s care.