What causes Peanut Allergy Symptoms?

Peanut allergy is a food allergy classified as type 1 hypersensitivity reaction. Peanut allergy symptoms are caused by the overreaction of an individual’s immune system to a protein present in peanuts.

About 1% of individuals in the United States suffer from peanut allergy, unlike that of almond allergy. And according to one study, the prevalence of peanut allergy in the United States is rising. According to statistics, the number of children suffering from peanut allergy symptoms doubled from 1997 to 2002. Peanut allergy symptoms, as stated by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, are among the most frequent causes of death related to ingestion of certain foods.

The exact cause of peanut allergy is not yet known. However, individuals who suffer from peanut allergy will most probably have children and siblings who also have peanut allergy.

One hypothesis states that peanut allergy may be due to exposure of peanut oil found in certain lotions. Others say that there is a link between development of peanut allergy and exposure to soy products. These claims still remain unproven.

It is said that peanut allergy symptoms are more prevalent in some races. Native Americans, for one, are less likely to develop peanut allergy symptoms. This may be due to the fact that in some countries, children are exposed to peanuts at an earlier age than in other countries. For example, in the United Kingdom pediatricians recommend peanuts to be given at a certain age. In Israel, meanwhile, most children are exposed to peanuts at an earlier age. It is observed that children from the United Kingdom are ten times more likely to develop peanut allergy symptoms than those from Israel.

Peanut Allergy Symptoms Manisfestation

Peanut allergy symptoms usually manifest upon exposure to peanuts—the most common way of exposure, of course, is through ingestion. However, certain individuals have claimed that severe peanut allergy symptoms manifest simply by touching or smelling peanuts. Physicians usually disclaim these statements stating that merely touching the peanuts may cause minor irritations; however, severe peanut allergy symptoms are less likely to show up. Peanut allergy symptoms which appear upon smelling the peanuts are more likely due to the fact that small peanut particles may be found floating in air. These routes of exposure are usually not enough to cause severe peanut allergy symptoms, except maybe for those who are highly sensitive to peanuts.

Peanut allergy symptoms usually appear minutes after exposure. Peanut allergy symptoms can range from mild to fatal. The most common peanut allergy symptoms are skin reactions including itching, redness, and hives. Itching could also occur in mouth, tongue, and throat. Gastrointestinal problems could also occur such as stomach pain and cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Peanut allergy symptoms could also manifest as chest tightness, breathing difficulties, and/or runny nose.

To some people, peanut allergy symptoms manifest as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is considered a medical emergency and is manifested by airway constriction, inflamed throat, and dizziness/unconsciousness. If left untreated, a severe drop in blood pressure and increased pulse rate may be observed; these are signs of impending shock.

Peanut Allergy Symptoms – How To Treat

Treatments of peanut allergy symptoms are usually directed to the alleviation of such symptoms. In milder cases, oral antihistamines can help these symptoms subside. Individuals who have peanut allergy are usually required to carry an emergency epinephrine injection. In cases where anaphylaxis occurs, emergency medical treatments are usually required and a closer look at peanut allergy symptoms is a must.

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