Peanut Allergy: Symptoms and Treatment

Peanuts are the single leading cause of anaphylaxis, also known as anaphylactic shock, which is the most severe and possibly life threatening allergic reaction. In the United States and many Western nations, it is the leading cause of death from a food allergy. Ironically, the incidents of peanut allergies are on the increase. Researchers are not sure why this is the case, but some data suggests that babies with skin rashes that are exposed to products containing peanut oils, may become sensitized to peanuts.

Very often, people who are allergic to peanuts are also allergic to tree nuts such as cashews, walnuts and pistachios. The reason for this is that they all contain the same group of proteins: Ara h one, two and three.

The symptoms of a peanut allergy can vary quite a bit. For some people, it means a bad rash or eczema (known as atopic dermatitis), hives (urticaria), or some redness and swelling (angioedema). Others experience tongue swelling, throat tightening, stomach pains, diarrhea and/or vomiting. Then there are the people who can suffer a case of anaphylactic shock. With that, the body reacts so violently to the allergens that it overreacts, and pumps large amounts of histamine into the blood. The result, the body begins to swell and (as histamine is a vasodilator) the blood pressure drops. When the swelling reaches the throat, the airways close off. Between that and the lower BP, the subject can pass out. Without prompt medical treatment, death can be the result.

Unfortunately, as peanuts or peanut oil are an ingredient in many of foods, it is often difficult to avoid. Most sufferers have an average of three to five incidents her year. Some people have found limited success using desensitization therapy. The person’s immunoglobulin E (IgE) is linked to the peanut allergy; it is what triggers the histamine release. So, regular injections of antibodies directed against IgE can raise a person’s tolerance to peanuts. In some cases, they can go from eating one peanut to about nine before reacting. It may not be much, but when faced with the possibility of anaphylaxis, it can be a lifesaver.

For mild allergic reactions, a dose of liquid Benadryl is often enough treatment. In the case of anaphylactic shock, the treatment is a dose of epinephrine, and that usually requires a trip to a doctor or the hospital. In some cases, doctors prescribe an EpiPen for the patient to carry with them at all times. It allows them to give themselves a precise dose of epinephrine in an emergency.