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Peanut Allergies

Peanut allergy is a disease affecting the immune system in which the body suffers from a range of symptoms after exposure to some of the proteins found in peanuts. A peanut allergy is distinct and different from a nut allergy. For someone who suffers from a peanut allergy, they must understand what foods to avoid. They must be vigilant about reading and understanding the labels and ingredients on everything they eat, but also the oils and creams they might apply to their skin. Peanut allergy is caused by an immune system malfunction. The immune system identifies peanuts as harmful triggering the production of immunoglobulin antibodies to neutralize the peanut protein.

Peanut allergy affects approximately 1 million people in the United States alone. As the most common cause of life threatening allergic reactions, peanut allergies account for 80 percent of fatal or near fatal allergic reactions each year. The risk of having an allergic reaction may be reduced by knowing as much as possible about peanut allergy and how to avoid peanut containing products. Tests may be administered to help diagnose peanut allergy so it is vital to take steps to avoid future and potentially worse reactions. Common food products that can trigger peanut allergy symptoms include peanut butter, peanut flour, and ground or mixed nuts, along with several others.

There is difference between peanut allergy and peanut intolerance. It may be difficult to determine whether there is an allergic reaction or just intolerance to peanuts. Someone with a peanut intolerance may be able to eat small amounts of peanuts with only mild symptoms, such as indigestion or heartburn, or no reaction at all. A peanut intolerance does not involve the immune system. An allergy to peanuts involves an immune system response. Even a tiny amount of peanuts may trigger a serious allergic reaction. Tests can help determine whether there is a true peanut allergy.

Peanut allergies trigger an immune system response. The immune system reactions to proteins found in peanuts. Exposure to peanuts may cause an immediate reaction, such as itching, redness, swelling, wheezing, nausea, abdominal pain, or loss of consciousness. The chemicals in peanuts can cause hives to develop on the areas of the skin which has come into contact with peanuts or traces of peanuts. Hives may spread to the rest of the body. Allergic reactions to peanuts usually occur within minutes after exposure. Signs and symptoms may range in severity depending on which body systems are involved in a reaction and how much peanut protein has been exposed.

The most serious and potentially deadly allergic reaction to peanuts is an anaphylactic response. If the person with the peanut allergy is highly sensitive, an anaphylactic reaction can develop immediately after peanut exposure, causing the airways to constrict. This makes breathing extremely difficult. Blood pressure may drop to a life threateningly low level which will cause dizziness. Other serious signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction includes wheezing, rapid or weak pulse, diarrhea. Dizziness, nausea and vomiting, or lack of consciousness is also symptoms. It is vital to seek emergency medical care if an anaphylactic reaction occurs.