'My peanut allergy nearly killed me - now I eat them every day for breakfast'

Chris Brookes-Smith, a 28-year-old man, once lived in constant fear of peanuts. This fear stemmed from a severe allergic reaction he experienced ten years ago after eating a curry that contained peanuts. He vividly recalls that day, saying, 'I knew I was in trouble after one bite. Within seconds, there were spots on my lips, and soon I was vomiting. I could feel my throat closing up, and hives were forming all over my body. My face became puffy from the swelling. ' The memory of that day is etched in his mind, and he describes the aftermath as looking like 'a plucked turkey' due to the severe blistering on his skin. The hives were particularly painful, feeling as if 'boiling water had been poured over me. ' It took him days to recover from that terrifying experience. For Chris, avoiding peanuts became a way of life, as it is for millions of others with serious allergies. Eating out, attending social gatherings, and traveling were all filled with anxiety. According to charities, about one in 200 adults and one in 50 children have nut allergies. While some children may outgrow their allergies, many do not, and the severity can increase with age. An allergic reaction occurs when the body mistakenly identifies peanut proteins as a threat, leading to a rapid release of chemicals that can cause severe symptoms. Chris's allergy was first identified when he was a baby, as he developed a rash while his mother was making peanut butter sandwiches. Each subsequent reaction was worse than the last, forcing him to live in a state of constant vigilance, hoping that nothing would go wrong. Activities that should be enjoyable, like dining out with friends or traveling, became stressful and potentially life-threatening. Despite his love for travel, Chris avoided countries where peanuts are commonly used, such as Southeast Asia, after experiencing three allergic reactions during a trip to Italy. His family was always worried about his safety, but then his mother learned about a clinical trial at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London. This trial aimed to see if adults with serious peanut allergies could be desensitized by gradually training their bodies to tolerate peanuts, calming the immune system's overreaction. Although Chris was initially nervous, he decided to participate in the trial. The process began with tiny amounts of peanut powder mixed with yogurt, and over several months, the dosage was gradually increased. By the end of the nine-month study, 14 out of 21 participants, including Chris, could consume the equivalent of five peanuts without experiencing allergic reactions. Professor Stephen Till, who led the research, stated that this treatment could significantly impact patients' lives. He explained that most severe allergic reactions occur due to mistakes or miscommunication, and this treatment provides some protection against such incidents. 'They've taken control of their peanut allergy now,' he said. The method, known as oral immunotherapy, has been effective for other allergies, such as pollen and insect stings, but has only recently been applied to food allergies. Adult allergies are generally more challenging to treat. Professor Till noted that peanut allergies are very common in children and rarely resolve, emphasizing the need for treatments for adults as well. The study showed that adults with serious allergies could increase their peanut tolerance by 100 times. Chris, who lives in Northamptonshire, was uncertain about how he would react to even the smallest amount of peanut. The thought of increasing his dose daily was daunting. 'The first time I went there and ingested this stuff, my heart was racing,' he recalled. The most significant leap in fear came when he transitioned from peanut dust to half a whole nut. However, he felt reassured by the presence of doctors and nurses, with emergency medications on standby in case of a severe reaction. 'You've got 100 eyes on you - nothing is gonna happen,' he said. Experts caution that no one should attempt this treatment at home due to the risk of serious allergic reactions. Not everyone in the trial was successfully desensitized, and further research is needed to understand why some individuals did not respond. Professor Till explained that for some participants, reactions occurred, necessitating a slower approach. However, the key takeaway is that desensitization to peanuts is possible for adults, and there should be more focus on developing treatments for this demographic. The ability to safely consume peanuts has profoundly impacted the lives of those who participated in the study, granting them newfound freedom to travel, reducing anxiety when dining out, and alleviating their fear of food. The challenge now lies in translating this into a practical treatment available through the NHS. Larger trials are necessary to confirm its effectiveness for a broader population, and researchers are exploring alternative methods, such as administering peanut drops under the tongue, which may be a safer approach. Chris now enjoys four peanuts every morning with his breakfast granola, as advised by his doctors. He is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the trial and hopes that many others with serious peanut allergies can also benefit from this treatment. Although he admits he still dislikes the taste of peanuts, he finds comfort in knowing he can eat something that once caused his body to react so violently. 'It's a wonderful feeling,' Chris expressed. 'I'm no longer afraid of dying.