What Are The Most Common Peanut Allergy Symptoms
Studies show that peanut allergies affect around three million Americans and are a leading cause of fatal and near-fatal allergic reactions. Therefore, if you identify any of the following peanut allergy symptoms, it is critical that you visit an allergist for assessment or the emergency room if the reaction is severe.
1. Skin Reactions
Skin reactions are likely to occur within minutes of eating peanuts, though they could take several hours to appear. Hives are raised, itchy welts that vary in size. Hives appear red or pink and may cause discomfort.
2. Stomach Issues
A reaction to peanuts may cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. In some cases, stomach issues signal a food intolerance rather than an allergy. However, to make an accurate diagnosis your allergist will need to conduct food allergy testing.
3. Anaphylaxis
A peanut allergy can cause anaphylaxis, potentially resulting in life-threatening symptoms. Anaphylaxis symptoms are severe, and may include a fast pulse, constricted airways, extreme breathing difficulties, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
4. Breathing Complaints
Less severe allergic reactions can lead to shortness of breath and wheezing. While these breathing concerns are not as severe as anaphylaxis, they will lead to temporary discomfort.
5. Itching
6. Nasal Congestion
Molecular Modifications Allergy And Immunology
AGE modifications on peanuts are suggested to skew the immune response towards allergy. The mechanism for this was demonstrated to be stimulation of receptors like RAGE and scavenger receptor class A type I and II . Two independent studies have demonstrated that the stimulation of dendritic cells with AGE-modified OVA compared to control OVA leads to activation of more IL-4- or IL-5 -producing T-cells than IFN–producing T-cells. Both results suggest a Th2 bias. Further studies in Caco-2 cells, which are a model for intestinal epithelia, demonstrated that RAGE activation by AGEs stimulated MAP-kinases . More recently, AGE-modified Ara h 1 was demonstrated to influence the proliferation of Caco-2 cells, in a manner dependent on the incubation time and temperature, indicating the possibility that specific AGE modifications may be important for influencing the pro-inflammatory network .
How We Care For Peanut Allergies
At the Boston Childrens Hospital Food Allergy Program, our experts treat all types of food allergies, addressing medical, dietary, social, and psychological concerns. The clinic is hosted by Boston Children’s Division of Allergy and Immunology, the largest provider of pediatric allergy services in the region.
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Severe Allergic Reaction Anaphylaxis
Peanuts and tree nuts are among the most common foods to cause severe allergic reaction which is life threatening. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include:
- difficult or noisy breathing
- persistent dizziness or collapse
- paleness and floppiness in young children.
If you, or someone in your care, have a severe allergic reaction , call triple zero for an ambulance.
- Do not stand or walk.
- Administer an adrenaline injector , into the outer mid-thigh, if available.
- Further adrenaline may be given if there is no response after 5 minutes.
- Give adrenaline first, then asthma reliever puffer, if required.
What Are The Symptoms
Nut allergy symptoms usually develop rapidly after a person eats or has exposure to nuts.
Symptoms can range from a mild runny nose to the life threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis, which include throat swelling, shortness of breath, and shock.
The same person can have different nut allergy symptoms at different points in time.
People with a nut allergy may experience the following symptoms after exposure to some or all types of nut:
- difficulty swallowing
Anaphylaxis can be fatal without prompt treatment. People with severe nut allergy symptoms should speak with a healthcare professional about getting a prescription for an EpiPen an auto-injector with epinephrine. This device will give them ready access to the treatment that they need.
For more science-backed resources on nutrition, visit our dedicated hub.
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A Peanut Allergy Myth
Contrary to urban legend, a childs peanut allergy cannot be triggered by a classmate eating a peanut sandwich across the table. The allergens are not airborne in this way.
Younger children do need to be monitored so they dont share foods accidentally. Wash eating areas and hands with soap and water after eating so a smudge of peanut butter doesnt accidentally get transferred to a child with an allergy.
However, it is not necessary to ban all peanut products from a school because one child is allergic. Peanut allergy is just one of many food allergens. Talk with your allergist about common safe practices for school. There are many resources available to help manage school safely for a child with food allergies.
Contributed by: Megan O. Lewis, MSN, RN, CPNPDate: April 2018
Avoidance Is The Only Proven Treatment For Peanut Tree Nut Or Seed Allergy
The only proven treatment for peanut, tree nut or seed allergy is avoidance of the allergen. Omitting peanuts, tree nuts or seeds from the diet has no adverse nutritional consequences for most people. Children with food allergy should take their own food with them to school and be taught not to swap or share food. In common eating and food preparation areas, where there are children with severe peanut or tree nut allergy, nut-containing foods are best avoided.
In early childhood education/care, with very young children where the risk of food contamination of common eating areas or toys is higher, it may be requested that parents do not send nut containing foods in lunch boxes to reduce the risk. This is not a policy that is considered necessary when caring for older children, although the use of nut or seed containing foods in cooking classes and science experiments is discouraged if there are students with peanut or tree nut allergy in that class.
Research into food allergy is ongoing
The increased frequency of peanut and tree nut allergy is driving research into areas trying to find out why it has become more common, and how to treat and prevent it. Research has shown that early exposure to peanut reduces the risk of allergy developing in high risk infants. Allergen immunotheprapy studies are trying to see if peanut allergy can be switched off once the allergy has developed.
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Effective Treatments For Peanut Allergy Symptoms
Treating a peanut allergy requires discipline and a commitment to the requirements of the remedy. In practice, this could mean avoiding all peanut products, or committing to around one year of allergy desensitization treatment. Here are some ways to limit the potential for allergic reactions.
- Antihistamine or corticosteroid medication.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Peanut Allergy
Who has peanut allergies?
Peanuts are a common cause of serious allergic reactions. If youre allergic to them, a tiny amount can trigger a major reaction. Even just touching peanuts can bring on a reaction for some people.
Children are more likely than adults to have peanut allergies. While some grow out of it, others need to avoid peanuts for life.
You have a higher risk of developing food allergies, including to peanuts, if youve been diagnosed with another allergic condition. Family history of allergies also raises your risk for developing a peanut allergy.
Read on to learn what the signs and symptoms of a peanut allergy look like. Make an appointment with your doctor if you suspect that you might be allergic to peanuts. They can refer you to an allergist for testing.
In most cases, an allergic reaction will become obvious within minutes of contact with peanuts. Some signs and symptoms can be subtle. For example, you might develop one or more of the following:
- hives, which can appear as small spots or large welts on your skin
- itching or tingling sensations in or around your mouth or throat
- runny or congested nose
In some cases, these mild symptoms are just the beginning of a reaction. It can become more serious, especially if you dont take steps to treat it early.
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What Causes Peanut Allergy
The cause of peanut allergy is not fully understood.
- Peanuts are highly allergenic due to the abundance of allergens in seed storage proteins.
- Peanuts are highly resistant to enzymatic digestion when in the gastrointestinal tract, and their allergens maintain their conformational epitope structure. Most IgE binds to Ara h 2 conformational epitopes an allergic immune response can be invoked when IgE binds to a peanut allergen.
- Dendritic cells have specific receptors for identifying carbohydrate residues. The carbohydrate residues on the surface of peanuts can activate dendritic cells and invoke an allergic immune response.
- When peanuts are roasted, they undergo a non-enzymatic glycosylation reaction called the Maillard reaction. This alters the structure of the amino acids and sugars in the peanut and makes the peanut more allergenic .
To develop a peanut allergy, the individual must be exposed to one of the peanut allergens via a gastrointestinal, cutaneous, or respiratory route.
Treatments For Peanut Allergy
Once your child is confirmed to have a peanut allergy, the first step in treatment is avoiding peanuts and food containing peanuts or peanut protein.
Your childs doctor can give you detailed information on how to read food labels to help identify and avoid peanut protein.
No matter how careful you are, there may be times when your child is accidentally exposed to peanuts and has a reaction. When that happens, you can treat the symptoms with antihistamines or epinephrine.
If more than one body system is involved in the allergic reaction for example the skin and lungs it is recommended to use epinephrine. Epinephrine comes in a variety of forms, including auto-injectors such as Epi-Pen, Auvi-Q and other generic forms.
If your childs reaction is mild and only involves a few hives, an over-the-counter or prescription strength antihistamine can ease their symptoms. Your childs doctor can help you decide which option is best for your child, depending on the circumstance and their reaction.
Children with peanut allergies should carry epinephrine with them, or it should be readily available at places where they routinely spend time, such as school, daycare and home.
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What Foods Should I Avoid If I Have A Peanut Allergy
Adults with peanut allergies must be vigilant to avoid accidental exposure to peanuts or peanut-containing foods. Also, be mindful of any foods containing tree nuts such as walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews and pecans people with peanut allergies may also be allergic to tree nuts.
According to Kids with Food Allergies , around 35 percent of American toddlers with peanut allergies will also develop tree nut allergies. For those with severe peanut allergies, also be wary of cross-contamination and cross-contact. Always read labels on packaged foods and be careful while eating in restaurants.
Peanuts may be hidden in a lot of common foods, including:
- African, Asian, and Mexican foods
- cereal and granola
Foods To Avoid When You Have Nut Allergies
Nix them when you cook, and look for them on food labels:
- Nut butters: Almond, cashew, peanut, and others
- Nut pastes. These include products like marzipan, almond paste, and nougat.
- Nut oils. These include cold-pressed or expressed peanut oil, along with others.
- Hydrolyzed plant or vegetable protein. These can have peanuts in them.
- Nut extracts, like almond extract
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Keep A Record Of Nut Allergy Symptoms
Diagnosing an allergy can be difficult. If you think you or a child in your care might have an allergy, keeping a record of symptoms can help you and your doctor to understand what is causing them. Keep a diary that describes the symptoms, and when and where they occur. Your diary could include information about whether the symptoms occur:
- inside your home, outside or both
- for a short time or longer
- at night, during the day or when you wake up
- after you have had a particular food or drink
- after you have taken a herbal medicine.
What Are Symptoms Of An Allergic Reaction What Should I Look For
Mild symptoms can include:
- A few hives around the mouth or face
More severe symptoms can include any of the following alone or in combination:
- Change in skin color
- Sudden tiredness/lethargy/seeming limp
* If you have any concerns about your infant’s response to peanuts, seek immediate medical attention/911.
Depending on their age, your child may not have the words to describe the reaction they are feeling. Listen for phrases like:
- My tongue is hot or burning
- My mouth itches or tingles
- My mouth/throat feels funny
- Something is stuck in my throat
- It feels like there are bugs in my ears
- My tongue feels bumpy
Very young children may pull or scratch at their tongue or ears, show an increase in drooling or sound different.
The most severe reaction is called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If you do not have epinephrine on hand, call 911 to get immediate help.
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Risk Factors For Peanut Allergy
It is always advisable to understand yourself or rather your body in relation to the type of food you ingest or prepare for your family. Some foods produce orders that might react with your external skin, your respiratory track or even eyes. In such cases, one should take precaution to avoid such kind of foods in order to prevent the disaster.
This in most cases have to start with a medical examination to identify such kind of foods or ingredients. The national institute of allergy and infections has established guide lines that can comfortably guide the masses on ways of determining safe foods from dangerous ones basing on the reaction of individual body to this foods.
Skin prick testing in such scenarios can be used to determine the risky factors that should be put into consideration when planning for a meal.
Another methods that can be applied is the oral challenge although it has been proved to pose grave risk but still can be used in desperate situation.
Can Peanut Allergy Be Prevented
In 2017, the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease issued new in order to define high, moderate and low-risk infants for developing peanut allergy. The guidelines also address how to proceed with introduction of peanut based on risk in order to prevent the development of peanut allergy.
The updated guidelines are a breakthrough for the prevention of peanut allergy. Peanut allergy has become much more common in recent years, and there is now a roadmap to prevent many new cases.
According to the new guidelines, an infant at high risk of developing peanut allergy is one with severe eczema and/or egg allergy. The guidelines recommend introduction of peanut-containing foods as early as 4-6 months for high-risk infants who have already started solid foods, after determining that it is safe to do so.
If your child is determined to be high risk, the guidelines recommend having them tested for peanut allergy. Your allergist may do this with a skin test or blood test. Depending on the results, they may recommend attempting to try peanut for the first time in the office. A positive test alone does not necessarily prove your child is allergic, and studies have shown infants who have a peanut sensitivity arent necessarily allergic.
Although parents want to do whats best for their children, determining what best means isnt always easy. So if your son or daughter is struggling with peanut allergies, take control of the situation and consult an allergist today.
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Tests To Diagnose Peanut Allergy
There are two type of peanut allergy tests that can be performed to establish if the patient is allergic or not. These tests are the skin prick test and the oral food challenge.
The skin prick test is up to 50% accurate and most recommended for peanut allergy. The patient is pricked at two or more point for assurance. The first prick is done through a drop of glycerinated medium which in most cases is allergen extract dropped on the skin. Two controls are used to give the desired comparison with one being histamine and the other saline. The histermine in designed to enhance an allergic response while the saline exhibits no allergic response. A 3mm difference in the diameter the histamine and saline wheal of extract will indicate an allergic response.
The oral food challenge for peanut allergy is dangerous and not advisable, here food is served on elimination basis to the patient while rationing the suspected allergens. This can have a severe reaction on the potion thus the reason to avoid this method.
Ascia Action Plans Are Essential
On average the nut allergic person will have an accidental exposure every few years. The difficulties of avoiding peanuts, tree nuts or seeds completely make it essential to have an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis when an adrenaline autoinjector has been prescribed.
Nut allergy can be effectively managed
Under the supervision of a clinical immunology/allergy specialist and with a network of supportive contacts, people with allergy to peanuts, tree nuts or seeds can learn to manage their allergies. The knowledge that adrenaline autoinjectors are available offers reassurance, but is not a substitute for strategies to minimise the risk of exposure to allergen triggers.
ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand.
ASCIA resources are based on published literature and expert review, however, they are not intended to replace medical advice. The content of ASCIA resources is not influenced by any commercial organisations.
For more information go to www.allergy.org.au
To donate to immunology/allergy research go to www.allergyimmunology.org.au
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Living With A Peanut Allergy
As there is currently no cure for peanut allergy, the complete avoidance of peanuts and foods which contain peanuts is important. Peanuts are widely used in a variety of foods and are a common ingredient in different types of cooking like Asian and Indian cuisine. They can also be found in foods like muesli and cereals and cereal bars.
It is important to carefully check the ingredients list on food items . Avoid foods which contain peanut and could be listed under any of the following names:
- Arachis hypogaea
