Symptoms of Peanut and Nut Allergies: A Comprehensive Guide

Peanut and Nut Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, and Trigger

Peanut and nut allergies are quite common food allergies that can threaten life. A peanut allergy causes severe allergic reactions in millions of people around the world, and it is considered one of the primary causes of an allergic reaction.

These allergies come in different forms, including mildest to severe anaphylaxis. Understanding what is happening will help properly manage and prevent peanut allergies. 
Continue reading to know more about peanut allergy, diagnosis, and treatments.

What is Peanut Allergy?

Peanut allergies occur when your body mistakenly identifies peanut protein as a threat. This causes your immune system to respond, leading to symptoms such as hives, vomiting, and swelling. They are the most common food-related cause of anaphylaxis, which can cause airway swelling or a critical drop in blood pressure.

Peanuts are legumes but not tree nuts; a person allergic to peanuts can also be allergic to tree nuts. It is possible to have an allergy at any time, though it is mostly common in children who eventually outgrow the allergy once they reach adulthood. However, for some people, peanut allergies persist throughout life.

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Peanut Allergy Symptoms

Peanut allergy symptoms can range from minor to life-threatening. Here are the major symptoms of peanut allergy:

1. Skin Reactions

Mild skin reactions to nut allergies may include:

• Rashes
• Swelling in hands and feet
• Hives
• Redness and sensitivity

Rashes and hives can be relieved with antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin). Cold, damp cloths can also soothe irritated skin.

2. Symptoms Impacting the Eyes, Nose, and Throat

Allergies typically affect the upper respiratory tract. Common symptoms are

• Blocked or dripping nose.
• Sneezing
• Throat pain
• Itchy or watery eyes

Antihistamines can relieve a runny nose and itchy eyes. If the runny nose persists, consider adding a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) to the mix.

3. Digestive Issues

Many food allergies cause problems in the digestive system because the allergic proteins pass through the stomach and intestines. Reactions in the digestive system often occur within a few hours of nut ingestion. Common symptoms are:

• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

4. Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

Also known as EoE, this condition affects the oesophagus and may be associated with nut allergies. These peanut allergy symptoms may include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest pain
• Vomiting

Treatment for EoE will depend on the causes. If it is related to nut allergies, your doctor may suggest avoiding nuts and possibly other common allergens.

5. Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that can often become dangerous. It may cause breathing issues if the throat swells. Other symptoms of anaphylaxis include the following:

• Swelling in the face
• Confusion
• Low blood pressure
• Itching on the skin
• Alteration in heart rate

6. Difficulty Breathing

An allergic reaction can cause swelling in the airways, making them narrow or blocked. This may lead to breathlessness and can evolve into allergic asthma, in which the airways constrict and reduce airflow. Seek medical assistance immediately if you face breathing trouble.

Note: Approximately 7% to 14% of individuals with peanut allergies experience inadvertent exposure to peanuts annually.

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Peanut Allergy Causes

This condition occurs when the immune system identifies the peanut proteins as harmful. In case one who suffers from this allergy takes in peanuts, their immune system releases chemicals that cause an allergic reaction symptom. Here are the major causes of this condition:

• Direct Contact: Most people suffering from a peanut allergy experience mild to severe infection after consuming the peanuts or the food prepared with peanuts.
• Cross-contact: This is when peanuts are mistakenly mixed with other foods. It most often happens during food processing or handling when peanuts come into contact with other products.
• Inhalation: Even inhaling peanut dust or aerosols, such as peanut flour, can be a cause of allergic reactions.

Peanut Allergy Risk Factors

The risk factors for developing peanut allergies are as follows:

• Age: Food allergies occur more often in young children, especially toddlers and infants. As humans age, their digestive systems become less sensitive to food allergens
• Previous peanut allergy: Children may outgrow some of their allergies, but in many cases, they recur. So, be prepared, even if you have overcome it.
• Other Allergies: If you have a food allergy, the probability of having an allergy to any other food is also greater. If the condition of allergies runs in the family, especially the condition of food allergies, your possibility of having a peanut allergy is greater.
• Atopic Dermatitis: Most patients with atopic dermatitis, otherwise called eczema, develop some form of food allergies.
   

Peanut Allergy Diagnosis : 

Diagnostic testing for peanut allergy may include the following procedures:

• Allergy Skin Test: A medical professional will apply tiny pricks of allergens, which include peanut protein, on your skin to see whether you react to it.
• Food Challenge Test: This is a test conducted under your doctor's supervision. In this examination, you are fed increasing amounts of peanut protein or peanut butter, and your doctor watches for reactions. This helps them detect if you have a peanut butter allergy.
• Allergy Blood Test: A healthcare provider takes blood to check for the presence of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to any allergen. High antibody levels to peanut protein could be a sign of a peanut allergy, with consideration for your medical history.

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Peanut Allergy Treatment

Management of peanut and nut allergies includes preventive measures and, in some cases, treatment. Some examples of management include:

• Avoidance of all tree nuts, peanuts, and products made from them or processed in their facilities completely.
• Carrying epinephrine auto-injectors for immediate treatment in the event of anaphylaxis in patients who are severely allergic.
• Recognition of nut allergy symptoms and prompt management of their occurrence.
• Antihistamines should be used to relieve mild symptoms like itching or swelling when they occur.
• Asking for interventions like Palforzia for peanut allergy care in children. It is an FDA-approved form of oral immunotherapy for children aged between four to 17 years with documented peanut allergies.
• Inform friends, family, and caregivers about your allergy, including teachers and coaches of children with nut allergies.
• Work with your healthcare professional on food immunotherapy, which involves gradually subjecting the patient to greater and greater amounts of the allergen to provide a chance for the immune system to develop tolerance.

Peanut and nut allergies are serious health threats that can be controlled well with the right knowledge and preparation. Symptoms of peanut allergy can range from mild to fatal, and knowledge about the triggers and treatments for this allergy is essential in preventing such a severe reaction.

For comprehensive health coverage and peace of mind, Star Health Insurance offers wide-ranging coverage to ensure that any form of medical care or emergency intervention concerning an allergy is well taken care of. Keep yourself informed, protected, and prepared at all times.