NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – A review of allergicreactions in children shows that most reactions occur at home, mostare triggered by peanuts or cashews, and treatment is oftendelayed.

“Health care professionals should ensure that children and theirparents are able to recognize the signs and symptoms of allergicreactions,” Dr. Mimi L. K. Tang from Royal Children’s Hospital,Melbourne, Australia, told Reuters Health.

“All patients should have a written allergic reaction oranaphylaxis action plan to help facilitate this,” she added.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that develops quickly,within seconds or minutes of exposure, causing a life-threateningresponse of the immune system involving the whole body. The immunesystem releases histamine and other substances that causetightening of the airways and shock. Common causes of anaphylaxisare foods, drugs or insect bites.