Peanut Allergy - Part II
A disease affecting the immune system in which the body suffers from a range of symptoms after exposure to some of the proteins in peanuts is called peanut allergy. It is sometimes mistaken for nut allergy but they are distinct and different from each other. A tree nut is a dry fruit whereas a peanut is a legume. A person with a peanut allergy might not have a nut allergy although their symptoms maybe the same.
The most prevalent food allergy is peanut allergy and in some people, exposure to the smallest amount of peanut can trigger a serious and potentially fatal allergic reaction. Accounting for four out of every five life-threatening incidences of anaphylactic shock (an exaggerated, or serious, allergic response) making peanut allergy the most deadly allergic reaction.
Aside from nut allergy, peanut allergy is also mistaken for peanut intolerance. Peanut intolerance might have minor symptoms from ingesting peanuts, such as an upset stomach, but allergies to peanuts engage the immune system in the process. An allergic reaction can be triggered by direct contact, cross-contact and even inhalation.
Typically, the allergic reaction to peanuts begin shortly following contact, often within minutes but there are cases that it is delayed by as long as an hour. However for hypersensitive people, severe anaphylaxis can set in almost instantly.
Here are some of the symptoms of peanut allergy but it varies slightly from person to person:
- stomach ache
- itchy eyes
- an itchy skin rash
- hives
- runny nose
- tingling tongue or lips
As time passes, these symptoms may begin to lessen, but they may also become substantially more severe and can include:
- tightening of the throat
- hoarse voice
- nausea and/or vomiting
- diarrhea
- coughing or wheezing
And when it still got worse, it might lead to anaphylaxis which is the term given to any rather severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include:
- difficulty swallowing
- labored breathing
- stomach or abdominal pain
- nausea and/or vomiting
- diarrhea
- hives
Sadly, there is no cure for peanut allergy yet and there are no current, approved therapies or treatments which eradicate or even mitigate it. Strict and vigilant dietary management (avoiding foods that have peanut and reading their ingredients in detail) is the key to prevent peanut allergy. To counter the peanut allergy’s full onset, some people take antihistamines after exposure and allergic reaction to peanuts.
