The incidence of food allergies appears to be increasing in several countries including Anguilla. One of the most common food allergies is that of peanut allergy which can be life-threatening.
Food allergy
A food allergy is defined as a reaction that occurs when the immune system attacks harmless proteins. The exploding segment of the population suffering from certain food ailments is skyrocketing, and experts are puzzled on the reasons for this increase. The largest increase appears to occur in children with allergies to peanuts – but milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish and other nuts as being among the most common allergies. They account for most of the food allergies, but you can be allergic to almost any food. Most children outgrow milk and egg allergies, but peanut allergies are harder to do so.
Peanut allergy
Peanut allergy is one of the most common causes of severe allergy attacks. Peanut allergy symptoms can be life-threatening (anaphylaxis). In some individuals with peanut allergy, even tiny amounts of peanuts can cause a serious reaction. Research has shown that peanut allergy has increased in children in recent years. Even if you or your child has had only a mild allergic reaction to peanuts, it is important to talk to your doctor. There is still a risk of a more serious future reaction.
What are some symptoms of peanut allergies?
An allergic response to peanuts usually occurs within minutes after exposure. Peanut allergy signs and symptoms can include the following:
• Runny nose
• Skin reactions, such as hives, redness or swelling
• Itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat
• Digestive problems, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting
• Tightening of the throat
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
8Peanut allergy is the most common cause of food-induced anaphylaxis, a medical emergency that requires treatment with an epinephrine (adrenaline) injector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, Twinject) and a trip to the emergency room. Anaphylaxis signs and symptoms can include:
• Constriction of airways
• Swelling of the throat that makes it difficult to breathe
• A severe drop in blood pressure (shock)
• Rapid pulse
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness
Talk to your doctor if you have had any signs or symptoms of peanut allergy.
Seek emergency treatment if you have a severe reaction to peanuts, especially if you have any signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis. Call 911 number if you or someone else displays severe dizziness, severe trouble breathing or loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
What causes peanut allergy?
Peanut allergy occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies peanut proteins as something harmful. Direct or indirect contact with peanuts causes your immune system to release symptom-causing chemicals into your bloodstream. It is not clear why some people develop allergies while others do not.
Treatment for peanut allergy
There is no definitive treatment for peanut allergy, but researchers continue to study desensitization. Oral immunotherapy (desensitization) involves giving children with peanut allergies, or those at risk for peanut allergies, increasing doses of food containing peanuts over time. However, the long-term safety of oral immunotherapy for peanut allergy is still uncertain.
New research suggests that desensitizing at-risk children between ages 4 and 11 months may be effective at preventing peanut allergy.
As with any food allergy, treatment involves taking steps to avoid the foods that cause your reaction, and knowing how to spot and respond to a severe reaction.
Lifestyle and home remedies
One of the keys to preventing an allergic reaction is knowing how to avoid the food that causes your symptoms. The following might prove helpful:
• Never assume a food does not contain peanuts. Peanuts may be in foods that you had no idea contained them. Always read labels on manufactured foods to make sure they do not contain peanuts or peanut products. Manufactured foods are required to clearly state whether foods contain any peanuts – and if they were produced in factories that also process peanuts.
• Even if you think you know what is in a food, check the label. Ingredients may change.
• Do not ignore a label that says a food was produced in a factory that processes peanuts. Most people with a peanut allergy need to avoid all products that could contain even trace amounts of peanuts.
• When in doubt, say “no thanks.” At restaurants and social gatherings, you are always taking a risk that you might accidentally eat peanuts. Many people do not understand the seriousness of an allergic food reaction, and may not realize that a tiny amount of a food can cause a severe reaction. If you are worried that a food may contain something you are allergic to, do not try it.
• Be prepared for a reaction. Talk with your doctor about carrying emergency medications in case of severe reaction.
Conclusion
The number of people who are allergic to peanuts appears to be increasing, especially for children. If you are allergic to peanuts take steps to avoid eating or being exposed at any time to peanuts or foods containing peanuts. If you develop symptoms suggestive of an anaphylactic reaction seek urgent medical attention. Peanut allergy can result in death so, like other food allergies, please take the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction seriously at all times.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-five years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5928).
