Peanut Allergy – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Peanut allergy occurs when the immune system incorrectly identifies peanuts as harmful substances. This condition ranks among the most common food allergies. It can trigger anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
The prevalence of peanut allergies in children has been rising in recent years. Even if someone experiences only mild symptoms after peanut exposure, consulting with a healthcare provider is essential.
Important facts about peanut allergy:
- Can cause severe reactions even in those with previous mild symptoms
- Requires medical attention and proper diagnosis
- Affects both children and adults
- Needs careful management to prevent dangerous reactions
Warning Signs
Peanut allergies often trigger reactions within minutes of exposure. The body’s immune system responds quickly, causing several symptoms:
- Skin Issues: Hives, redness, or swelling
- Mouth Sensations: Itching or tingling in the mouth or throat
- Stomach Problems: Diarrhea, cramps, nausea, or vomiting
- Breathing Difficulties: Throat tightening, shortness of breath, or wheezing
- Other Symptoms: Runny nose
Peanuts are the leading cause of severe food-related allergic reactions. During a serious reaction, several dangerous symptoms may appear:
- Airways becoming narrow
- Swollen lips, tongue, and throat make breathing difficult
- Dangerously low blood pressure (shock)
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness or fainting
These severe reactions require immediate treatment with epinephrine (adrenaline) and emergency medical care.
When Medical Help Is Needed
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any signs of a peanut allergy. For severe reactions, get emergency help immediately.
Call 911 if you or someone else shows these serious symptoms:
- Severe dizziness
- Major breathing problems
- Loss of consciousness
Always carry prescribed medication if you have a known peanut allergy, and don’t hesitate to use it when symptoms appear.
Causes
Peanut allergies happen when your body’s immune system mistakes peanut proteins for harmful substances. When this occurs, the immune system releases chemicals into your bloodstream that trigger allergic symptoms.
There are several ways people can experience allergic reactions to peanuts:
- Eating Peanuts: Consuming peanuts or foods containing peanut ingredients is the most common trigger.
- Accidental Exposure: Peanut proteins can accidentally get into foods during manufacturing or preparation.
- Airborne Contact: In some cases, breathing in peanut dust or tiny particles, such as peanut flour in the air, might cause reactions.
The severity of reactions varies from person to person. Some people react to very small amounts of peanut protein, while others need more exposure before showing symptoms.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase your chance of developing a peanut allergy:
Younger Age: Food allergies happen more often in babies and toddlers than in adults. This is because the digestive system is still developing in children.
Previous Peanut Reactions – Some children who have peanut allergies might seem to outgrow them, but reactions can sometimes return later in life. Always be careful even if you think you’ve outgrown your allergy.
Existing Allergies: People who already have one food allergy face a higher risk of developing others. Having allergies like hay fever also increases your chance of food allergies.
Family History: Your risk is higher if allergies run in your family, especially if close relatives have food allergies.
Eczema Connection: People with atopic dermatitis (eczema) often have a higher chance of developing food allergies, including peanut allergy.
The reasons why some people develop peanut allergies while others don’t remain unclear. Scientists continue to study these risk factors to better understand how and why peanut allergies develop.
Complications
Peanut allergies can lead to serious health issues. The most dangerous complication is anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Both children and adults with strong peanut allergies face higher risks of developing this serious condition.
Prevention
Early peanut exposure can greatly reduce food allergy risk. Research shows that introducing peanuts to high-risk children between 4 months and 3 years old can lower allergy risk by up to 80%.
Children considered at higher risk include those with mild to severe eczema, egg allergy, or both conditions.
Always consult with your child’s doctor before introducing peanuts to your child’s diet. They can recommend the safest approach based on your child’s specific health needs.
Starting peanut foods early may help train the immune system to accept, rather than react to, peanut proteins.
