Peanut Allergy: Symptoms and Causes

Peanut allergy is caused due to an abnormal reaction of the immune system, which identifies peanuts and peanut products as harmful to the body. In such cases, the immune system produces antibodies and chemicals including histamine, which can affect the skin, eyes, nose, airways, intestinal tract, lungs, and blood vessels. In some people, this allergy is so severe that they cannot even tolerate the smell of peanuts and develop allergic reactions. Peanut allergy develops in children and some of them may outgrow it, as they get older, but there are chances of recurrence. Studies show that almost 1% of the American population is affected by this allergy, which can cause mild to severe symptoms, including death in rare cases.

Symptoms

Usually, this allergy occurs within some minutes, after exposure to peanuts or peanut products. The symptoms can range from mild stomach aches to anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition which causes blocking of airways or hypotension and heart failure. The common symptoms of peanut allergy include skin reactions like urticaria (also known as hives, characterized by dark red, raised, itchy bumps), swelling of lips, face, throat and skin, termed as angioedema, and worsening of atopic eczema. This allergy can also trigger digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms include tingling sensations in the mouth and throat, sneezing, a runny nose, tightening of chest, shortness of breath and lightheadedness.

The most severe symptom is anaphylaxis, which is characterized by breathing trouble due to the constriction of airways and a swollen throat, low blood pressure, shock, a rapid pulse and unconsciousness. The patient needs immediate treatment with epinephrine and if left untreated, this condition can lead to death, within hours or even minutes. Initially, the patient may experience mild symptoms, which transform in severity within 1 to 6 hours. Asthmatic people with this allergy are more likely to suffer from severe symptoms.

Causes

The exact cause of this allergy is still unknown. Some studies link this allergy to genetic factors, where children with allergic first degree relatives are found to be more likely to develop peanut allergy. Even though, some researchers associated this allergy to peanut exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding and exposure to soy products, they could not prove the link. Further studies rescinded these claims. According to some other studies, delay in introducing peanuts along with other foods may cause this allergy in kids.

However, this allergy can occur by the intake of peanuts or peanut products, direct skin contact or inhaling dust with peanut flour or peanut cooking oil spray. If you are allergic to peanuts, there is a possibility of your child developing this allergy. This is applicable, even if you are not allergic at present, but have had an episode of peanut allergy during childhood. Conduct an allergy test and if it is positive, take precautions by avoiding everything with peanut content. In case of any accidental ingestion of peanuts or inhalation of peanut flour, consult your doctor as soon as possible. Peanut allergy is the most severe among food allergies and the only precautionary measure is to stay away from peanuts and lead a healthy life.