The child may have already learned that they should avoid particular types of foods. We think that's very wise. Current Research Scientists are currently working on trying to identify which part of the peanut protein causes allergic reactions in the small numbers of people who suffer a peanut allergy, and then develop a treatment for it. This research holds out some promise of making the lives of peanut-allergic people a lot better in the future. But right at the moment, a genuine breakthrough still seems to be several years away.
Treatments are certainly available right now for people who suffer extreme allergic reactions.
But they generally need to be given quickly if a shock reaction sets in. It's a very real allergy - and often one of the worst possible food allergies to have.