Description

Peanut allergy is a condition that causes the body's germ-fighting immune system to react to the peanuts. It is one of the most common causes of a life-threatening allergic reaction to food. This life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Peanut allergy has been increasing in children. Even if you or your child has shown only a mild reaction to peanuts, it is important to talk with a health care professional. There is still a risk of a more serious future reaction.

Symptoms

An allergic response to peanuts usually occurs within minutes after exposure. Peanut allergy signs and symptoms may include:

  • Skin reactions, such as urticaria, redness, or swelling.
  • Itching or tingling in or around the mouth and the throat.
  • Digestive problems, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Lump in the throat.
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing.
  • Runny nose.

Anaphylaxis: A life-threatening reaction

Peanut allergy is the most frequent cause of anaphylaxis due to food. This medical emergency that requires treatment with an auto-injector of epinephrine (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, others), and a trip to the emergency room. Epinephrine, also called adrenaline.

Anaphylaxis signs and symptoms may include:

  • The constriction of the airways.
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat that makes it hard to breathe.
  • A severe drop in blood pressure, also known as shock.
  • Rapid pulse.
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness.

When to see a doctor

Talk with your health care team if you have had any types of signs or symptoms of peanut allergy. Seek emergency treatment if you have an allergic reaction to peanuts.

Call or ask someone to call 911 or the local emergency number if you have any of the signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as:

  • Severe dizziness.
  • Serious breathing problems.
  • The loss of consciousness.

Causes

Peanut allergy occurs when the immune system flags peanut proteins as harmful. When exposed to peanuts, the immune system releases of symptoms that cause the chemicals in the bloodstream. These chemicals cause an allergic reaction.

Direct and cross-contact with peanuts could cause a reaction:

  • The direct contact. The most common cause of peanut allergy is eating peanuts or foods containing peanuts.
  • Cross-contact. This happens when the peanuts to obtain a product that, by mistake. It often happens when the food is exposed to peanuts during processing or handling.
  • Inhalation. Inhalation of dust or aerosols containing peanuts, such as peanut flour, can cause an allergic reaction.

Risk factors

It is not clear why some people develop allergies while others do not. However, people with certain risk factors have a higher chance of developing peanut allergy.

Peanut allergy risk factors include:

  • Age. Food allergies are more common in children, especially small children and babies. As a person grows, your digestive system matures. Then the body is less likely to react to the food that causes allergies.
  • Past allergy to peanuts. Some children with peanut allergy outgrow it, although it can recur. To be cautious, even if they seem to have overcome the allergy to peanuts.
  • Other allergies. If you are already allergic to a food, you have a higher risk of being allergic to another. Also, have another type of allergy, such as hay fever, increases the risk of having a food allergy.
  • The members of the family with allergies. The risk of peanut allergy is higher if other allergies are common in your family, especially to those of other food allergies.
  • Atopic dermatitis. Some people with the skin disease atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, they have a food allergy as well.

Complications

The complications of peanut allergy can include anaphylaxis. Children and adults who have a severe allergy to peanuts are especially at risk for this life-threatening reaction.

Prevention

Studies have shown a strong relationship between the early peanut exposure and lower risk of food allergy. In those studies, the peanuts were introduced to high-risk babies and children from 4 months to 3 years of age. When you do this, your food allergy risk is reduced up to 80%. Children at risk for peanut allergy include those with mild-to-severe eczema, egg allergy, or both. Before you introduce your child to peanuts, to discuss the best approach to your child's health care professional.

Diagnosis

Talk with your health care team about your symptoms and medical history and begins the process of diagnosis. A physical exam usually follows and these steps may be needed:

  • Food journal. Your health care team may ask you to keep a journal of your eating habits, symptoms, and medications.
  • Skin test. A small amount of food or another substance is placed on the skin. Then, your skin is pricked with a needle. If you are allergic to that substance, you'll develop a raised bump or reaction.
  • Blood test. A blood test can measure your immune system's response to certain foods. It checks the amount of allergy-type of antibodies in the bloodstream, also known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
  • Elimination diet. Your computer may suggest an elimination diet, if you could be allergic to more foods in addition to peanuts. You may be asked to stop eating peanuts or other suspect foods for a week or two. Below, we will add the food items back into your diet one at a time. This process can help to link the symptoms to certain foods. If you have had an allergic reaction to food, this method can not be used safely.

All of these sources can help to confirm a peanut allergy. Or you can point it to another cause, such as a food intolerance.

Treatment

The standard approach of care for peanut allergy is to avoid the foods that contain peanuts. However, researchers continue to study the different therapies that decrease the possibility of severe reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that is supposed to train the immune system not to react to certain triggers. This process is also known as desensitization. These therapies cannot cure peanut allergy, and can not substitute an emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. However, they can reduce the risk of future severe reactions in case of contact with peanuts that happens.

Immunotherapy for peanut allergy includes immunotherapy, oral (ILO). In the ILO, the dose of the foods with peanuts given to persons with or at risk of developing a peanut allergy. These doses are gradually increased with time until a maximum tolerated dose is reached.

The drug Peanut Allergen Powder-dnfp (Palforzia) is an FDA-approved form of immunotherapy oral. That is to say, treat the children with ages from 4 to 17 years with a confirmed peanut allergy. This treatment is not recommended for people with uncontrolled asthma or certain conditions, including esophagitis eosinophilic.

Antibodies

Antibody treatment is another method. This medication is given by injection. Although treatment with antibody also affects the immune system, which work differently from other forms of immunotherapy.

These drugs act by binding to a special protein in the bloodstream that cause some allergic reaction. These protectors are proteins called antibodies. Once bound to the antibody, the medication causes the immune system much less sensitive to a certain allergic trigger. Antibody treatments for peanut allergy include omalizumab (Xolair) .

Be prepared for a reaction

The only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid peanuts and peanut products completely. However, peanuts are common. Even when you try your best, is likely to come in contact with the peanuts at some point.

For a severe allergic reaction, you may need an emergency injection of epinephrine and a trip to the emergency room. Many people with allergies carry an auto-injector of epinephrine. This device is a syringe and a needle hidden that injects a single dose of medication when pressed against your thigh.

Know how to use the injector

If your doctor has prescribed an auto-injector of epinephrine:

  • Carry it with you at all times. It may be a good idea to keep an extra injector in your car and on your desk at work.
  • Always replace before its expiration date. Out-of-date epinephrine may not work properly.
  • Ask your doctor to prescribe a backup copy of the injector. If you lose, you will be able to have a spare.
  • You know how it works. Ask your health care team to show. Also, make sure that the people closest to you know how to use it. If someone can give you an injection, that person could save your life.
  • Know when to use it. Talk with a health care professional about how to know when you need an injection. If you are not sure, it is better for you to go ahead and the use of emergency epinephrine.

Lifestyle and home remedies

One of the keys to prevent an allergic reaction is to know how to avoid the foods that cause your symptoms. Follow these steps:

  • Never assume that a food does not contain peanuts.Peanuts may be on the food that will surprise us. Always read the labels of processed foods to ensure that they do not contain peanuts or peanut products. Processed foods are required to clearly state whether foods contain any of the peanuts. In addition, the labels must indicate if the food were produced in factories that process peanuts. Even if you think that you know what is in a food, check the label. Ingredients may change.
  • Don't ignore a label that says that it was produced in a factory that processes peanuts. The majority of people with a peanut allergy need to avoid all products that may contain peanuts, even in small quantities.
  • In case of doubt, say "no thanks". At restaurants and social gatherings, there is always a risk of eating peanuts by accident. Many people do not understand the severity of the allergic reaction to a food reaction. They cannot know that a small amount of a food can cause a severe reaction. If you are concerned that a food may contain something you're allergic, don't try it.
  • Be prepared for a reaction. Talk with your doctor about the implementation of emergency medication in case of a severe reaction.

Never assume that a food does not contain peanuts. Peanuts may be on the food that will surprise us. Always read the labels of processed foods to ensure that they do not contain peanuts or peanut products. Processed foods are required to clearly state whether foods contain any of the peanuts. In addition, the labels must indicate if the food were produced in factories that process peanuts.

Even if you think that you know what is in a food, check the label. Ingredients may change.

Avoid foods that contain peanuts

Peanuts are common. Avoid foods that contain them can be difficult. The following foods often contain peanuts:

  • Soil or mixed nuts.
  • Baked goods such as biscuits and cakes.
  • Ice cream and frozen desserts.
  • Energy bars.
  • Cereal and granola.
  • The grain breads.
  • Marzipan, a sweet made of nuts, egg whites and sugar.

Some foods that may contain peanuts or peanut proteins are less obvious. Could have been made with peanuts or come in contact with them during the processing. Some examples include:

  • Nougat.
  • Salad dressings.
  • Chocolate candies, peanut butter, such as almond butter, and sunflower seeds.
  • World of food including African, Chinese, Indonesian, Mexican, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes.
  • The food that is sold in bakeries and ice cream shops.
  • Peanut oil, another name for peanut oil.
  • The pet food.

Coping and support

If your child has a peanut allergy , take these steps to help keep your child safe:

  • Involve caregivers.Ask family members, babysitters, teachers, and other caregivers to help. Teach adults who spend time with your child about how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to peanuts. Note that an allergic reaction can be life-threatening and requires immediate action. Also, make sure your child knows to ask for immediate help in case of an allergic reaction.
  • The use of a written plan. Write down the steps to take in case of an allergic reaction. Include the order and the doses of all medications to be given. List of contact information for family members and health care providers. Give a copy of the plan to the members of the family, teachers, and other caregivers to your child.
  • Discourage your child from sharing food. It is common for children to share snacks and treats. However, while playing, the child may forget about food allergies or sensitivities. If your child is allergic to peanuts, encourage your child to not eat the food of others.
  • Make sure your child is auto-injector of epinephrine is always available. An injection of epinephrine is needed immediately to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis. Make sure that caregivers and family members know about your child's medical emergency. They should know where the injector is located, when you may need and how to use it.
  • Make sure that the school your child has a food allergy management plan. The guidelines are available for the creation of policies and procedures. The staff should have access to an injector of epinephrine and training on how to use it.
  • Have your child wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. This will help your child get the proper treatment if the communication is not possible during a severe reaction. The notice will include the name of the child and the type of food allergy. Also, it is possible that the short list of instructions of emergency.

Involve caregivers. Ask family members, babysitters, teachers, and other caregivers to help. Teach adults who spend time with your child about how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to peanuts. Note that an allergic reaction can be life-threatening and requires immediate action.

Also, make sure your child knows to ask for immediate help in case of an allergic reaction.

If you have an allergy to peanuts, do the following:

  • Always keep your auto-injector of epinephrine.
  • Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace.

Preparing for your appointment

To get the most out of your appointment, it is a good idea to be well prepared. Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment and know what to.

  • Describe your symptoms. Be ready to tell your doctor what happened after you ate peanuts or food containing peanuts. Note how much time it took for a reaction to occur. Try to remember how many peanuts you ate. Or how much he ate a peanut-containing foods that trigger symptoms.
  • Make a list of all the medications you are taking. Include vitamins or supplements.
  • Have a family member or friend. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided to you during an appointment. If someone can join you, that person can remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Write down any questions you may have.

Some basic questions to ask include:

  • Are my symptoms caused by allergy to peanuts?
  • What else could be the cause of my symptoms?
  • What tests do I need?
  • What is the best treatment?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • There is a generic version of the medicine you're prescribing?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What sites do you recommend?
  • Do I need to carry an auto-injector of epinephrine?

If your child is to see a health care professional for a peanut allergy, you may also want to inquire:

  • There are alternatives to the foods that trigger my child's allergy symptoms?
  • How can I help my son with peanut allergy safe at school?
  • Is my child likely to overcome her allergy?

Do not hesitate to ask any other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

A health professional is likely to ask a series of questions, including:

  • When did you start noticing the symptoms?
  • After eating peanuts, how long did it take for symptoms to appear?
  • What amount of peanut ate?
  • Did you take any non-prescription allergy medications, such as antihistamines, and if so, does it help?
  • Does your reaction seems to be activated only by the peanuts or other foods as well?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

What you can do in the meantime

If you think that you have a peanut allergy, avoid contact with the peanuts until you can meet with your care team. If you have a severe reaction, seek emergency help.

Symptoms and treatment of Peanut allergy