Peanut is a popular food and food additive. Many people enjoy peanut as a snack. It is not only delicious but also very nutritious. It contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Unfortunately, not all people in the world can enjoy peanut because there are those who are allergic to it. Certain substances (allergens) in the peanut can trigger allergic reactions to human. The substances are mistakenly recognized by the immune system as foreign invaders and potentially dangerous. The immune system overreacts by releasing antibodies to fight the allergens. These antibodies trigger the release of certain chemicals in the body that causes allergy symptoms. One of these chemicals is histamine which can affect a person’s respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, and skin.
Signs and Symptoms of Peanut Allergy
- Itchy , red bumpy rashes (hives)
- Redness and swelling around the mouth or face
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Sneezing and coughing
- Wheezing
- Asthma attack
- Fainting
- Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening symptom of peanut allergy as well as other allergies including mold, strawberry, and sulfite allergy. Anaphylaxis is marked by airway constriction, breathing difficulty, sudden blood pressure drop, rapid pulse, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. A person with anaphylaxis should immediately be sent to the hospital for treatment.
The signs and symptoms of peanut allergy occur in minutes or hours after exposure to peanut. Exposure doesn’t only involve eating peanut and peanut-containing foods but also inhaling fumes containing peanut allergens. Inhaling allergens from the air can be much faster in triggering allergic response.
Treatments for Peanut Allergy
For mild symptoms, antihistamine medications are used. Antihistamine tablets can be purchased over the counter with or without prescription. Antihistamine blocks the actions of histamine which are the allergy symptoms listed above.
Severe allergic reaction involving anaphylaxis requires adrenaline shot. Adrenaline is a hormone that works in reversing the symptoms of anaphylaxis. Children and adults have different dosage for adrenaline shot.
People who are allergic to peanuts are advised to carry with them injectable adrenaline so that they are ready for possible exposure. They should know how to use the injectables themselves.
Tests for Peanut Allergy
Allergy to peanut can be confirmed using skin prick test. In this test, a drop of peanut extract is placed on the patient’s skin and then a needle prick is made through the drop. The skin is observed for changes within 15-20 minutes. Positive reaction occurs when the pricked skin becomes red and itchy. Swelling can occur around the red central area. Antihistamines should not be taken on the day of skin prick test because they can block allergic reaction making the test results unreliable.
Blood test can also be performed to diagnose peanut allergy. Blood test measures the amount of IgE antibodies produced as a result of allergic reaction. The RAST (radioallergosorbent test) and ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests are among the tests used in measuring blood antibodies.
If the results of skin prick test and blood test still do not prove that a patient is definitely allergic to peanut, a food challenge is performed. The patient will be given foods that may or may not contain peanuts. The patient will be closely monitored for 15 to 30 minutes. If allergic reactions are observed after eating peanut-containing food, then it can be concluded that the patient is indeed allergic to peanut.
Managing Peanut Allergy
While avoiding whole peanuts is relatively easy, avoiding peanut-containing foods is quite hard. Peanuts are added to bread, cookies, cakes, confectionaries, cereals, spreads, and different snacks. To prevent accidental consumption of peanut-containing foods, always check the labels. Usually, peanut is listed as main ingredient in food products. Beware also on foods that use peanut oil as ingredient.
Peanut-free foods can be contaminated by foods containing peanut or peanut oil. Contamination occurs in buffets, delicatessens, or bakeries where it is easy for food to be touched by peanut-containing foods. Allergic people should avoid eating in such places.
Make sure that you tell your condition to people who are going to prepare your food. These people can be your mother, siblings, relatives, friends, or restaurant cooks.
Do not eat foods you are unsure about.