What is the reason for peanut allergy?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 28 year old female. My doctor diagnosed me with a peanut allergy. Could you please explain what a peanut allergy is and what causes it? What is the underlying immune response that leads to allergic reactions to peanuts? What are the common symptoms of a peanut allergy? Are there variations in the severity of symptoms, and can they range from mild to severe or life-threatening? How is a peanut allergy typically diagnosed? Are there any effective treatments for peanut allergies, such as desensitization therapies or medications? What are the best strategies for avoiding peanuts and peanut-containing products in everyday life?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

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Peanut allergy occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies peanut proteins as something harmful. Direct or indirect contact with peanuts causes your immune system to release symptom-causing chemicals into your bloodstream. An allergic response to peanuts usually occurs within minutes after exposure.

Peanut allergy signs and symptoms can include:

Skin reactions, such as hives, redness, or swelling.
Itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat.
Digestive problems, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
Tightening of the throat.
Shortness of breath or wheezing.
Runny nose.
Anaphylaxis: A life-threatening reaction.

Peanut allergy is the most common cause of food-induced anaphylaxis, a medical emergency that requires treatment with an epinephrine (adrenaline) autoinjector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, others) and a trip to the emergency room.

Diagnosis - A physical exam usually follows this discussion. The next steps typically include some of the following:

Food diary - Your doctor may ask you to keep a food diary of your eating habits, symptoms, and medications.
Elimination diet - If it is not clear that peanuts are causing your symptoms, or if your doctor thinks you may react to more than one type of food, he or she may recommend an elimination diet. You may be asked to eliminate peanuts or other suspect foods for a week or two and then add the food items back into your diet one at a time. This process can help link symptoms to specific foods. If you've had a severe reaction to foods, this method cannot safely be used.
Skin test - A small amount of food is placed on your skin, which is then pricked with a needle. If you are allergic to a particular substance, you develop a raised bump or reaction.
Blood test - A blood test can measure your immune system's response to particular foods by checking the amount of allergy-type antibodies in your bloodstream, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
Information from all these sources may help determine if you have a peanut allergy or if your symptoms are likely due to something else, such as food intolerance.

Treatment:

Oral immunotherapy involves giving children with peanut allergies, or those at risk of peanut allergies,
As with any food allergy, treatment involves taking steps to avoid the foods that cause your reaction, knowing how to spot a reaction when it is happening, and being prepared to respond quickly, including keeping epinephrine on hand.

What to do in anaphylactic shock?

Call emergency medical help. Use an epinephrine autoinjector, if available, by pressing it into the person's thigh. Make sure the person is lying down and elevate the legs. Check the person's pulse and breathing and, if necessary, administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other first-aid measures.

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