Peanut allergy is one form of food allergy that is the result of hypersensitivity to the substances derived from peanuts. It is slightly different from nut allergy as the type of nuts that cause the allergic reactions are not the same. Peanut allergy can either caused by the nuts, peanut oil or derivatives food made of peanuts.

This type of allergy is worst than hay fever or seasonal allergies as the allergic reactions to this can be fatal and need the patient to be under careful observant and attentive to what he consumes.

The symptoms of peanut allergy can manifest in a variety way. The most common symptoms are like swelling of face (as part or whole), acute abdominal pain and cramp, diarrhea, vomiting, hives and asthma. An anaphylactic shock can even occur as the result of the obstruction of the upper or lower airway which can be a fatality.

The treatment with epinephrine is usually given to those individuals who are suffering from peanut allergy. It is also good for emergency situation which requires immediate attention and fast relief. Antihistamines which are the usual treatment for allergies do not work so well with this food allergy due to the variety allergic reactions that can happen.

How to know whether you are having peanut allergy or not?

The first signs of peanut allergy are sneezing that accompanied by the sense of tingling that often happens near the mouth or throat. Besides that, it is also comes with the experience of light pallor and the feeling of lightheadedness and heat. In some severe cases, the acute systemic allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis shock may also occurs within an hour to a few hours after ingesting peanuts or other peanut based substances and food. Take special care if you are suffering with asthma as well as this increase the risk due to the possible of airways constriction.

What if you are having the above symptoms?

The treatment of peanut allergy should be received as soon as possible. If you suspect you are having severe allergic reaction to peanut, you need to seek for the proper medical care and treatment promptly. The best advice for you is to avoid any food that contains peanut and its derivatives entirely. For example, you can read the labels on the food packaging to know more about the ingredients it contains before consuming any food that you are not certain whether the particular food contain peanut derivative ingredient or not. If you are in doubt, it is not to consume it at all. This can help you to prevent from having any severe allergic reaction due to hypersensitivity to peanut.

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