The young girl was at a party with her friends, ate a snack mix and began to have respiratory symptoms shortly thereafter. She died at the hospital a short time later. It was later discovered that the cookie contained peanuts. She died less than 2 hours after eating the cookie.
Teens appear to be the highest risk group for fatal reactions.
Most of the reactions occur when the young adult is away from home with friends. Too often they are not prepared for the swiftness with which the reaction can occur. There is no cure for food allergies. Reading ingredient labels carefully for all foods is the only way to avoid an allergic reaction. Studies show that early administration of epinephrine, the medication of choice of managing a food allergic reaction, is critical for turning the reactions around.