Peanut allergy is one of the most common causes of severe allergy attacks. Peanut allergy symptoms can be life-threatening (anaphylaxis). For some people with peanut allergy, even tiny amounts of peanuts can cause a serious reaction.
What is peanut allergy?
It is an allergy to peanut protein (not oil) that causes the reaction after eating or touching the nut.
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.
Peanut allergy is very common and the incidence appears to be increasing. Individuals who are allergic to peanuts tend to be allergic to other nuts as well.
What are some of the symptoms of peanut allergy?
The symptoms of peanut allergy vary from mild to very severe. An allergic response to peanuts usually occurs within minutes after exposure. Peanut allergy signs and symptoms can include:
• 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
Symptoms might be very severe and result in a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. Peanut allergy is the most common cause of food-induced anaphylaxis – a medical emergency that requires treatment with an epinephrine (adrenaline) injector (e.g. EpiPen) and a trip to the emergency room. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include the following:
• 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
How to diagnose peanut allergy?
The diagnosis is based on a history of a typical reaction after contact with peanuts. Positive allergy tests – skin prick or blood allergy antibody (IgE) tests – support the diagnosis, but should not be used alone, because people can have positive allergy tests but tolerate the food without getting a reaction. Skin prick tests are safe.
Blood tests are not affected by antihistamines, but the results tend to take over a week.
How to avoid peanut allergy?
Avoiding eating and even touching nuts is important for someone with a peanut allergy. Other names for peanuts are ground nuts, goober nuts or mixed nuts. Always check the ingredient list on food packets.
When eating out, check the ingredients – and if in doubt ask the cook who may have changed the recipe. Curried, Indian and Chinese dishes, and Pesto sauce, can all contain peanuts. The spices in some of these foods may hide the warning signs of an allergic reaction. This makes them particularly risky as a significant quantity of peanut may have been eaten before the problem is recognised. Your doctor should advise you whether it is safe to eat other nuts.
Is there a cure?
There is no cure for peanut allergy at present. Some allergy centres offer programs to help children tolerate peanuts, but it is unclear if this can cure the problem.
Inform others
If you have a child who is allergic to peanuts it is important to inform the nursery/school and any after school clubs. Any other carers such as grandparents, relatives and school friends’ parents will also need to know.
Conclusion
Peanut allergy is very common and appears to be increasing, especially in children. Symptoms can be mild or very severe. If symptoms are severe seek urgent medical attention. If you are allergic to peanuts you should make every effort to avoid peanuts even very small amounts.
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-six years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5928).
