Peanut Allergy

Peanut Allergy

Article
Allergy
Kids' Zone
+3
Contributed byLester Fahrner, MD+1 moreMay 17, 2022

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Allergy to Peanuts 

What is Peanut Allergy? (Definition/Background Information) 

  • Peanut allergy is a common, possibly life-threatening allergy that occurs when people come in close contact with/or consume peanuts
  • It is estimated that around 1% of the world population is affected by a peanut allergy.
  • Some have mild symptoms and others have very severe symptoms
  • There is no cure for peanut allergy. Avoiding peanuts through heightened alertness will help in an individual live a near normal life.

Who gets Peanut Allergy? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Both males and females are susceptible to peanut allergy.
  • Peanut allergy can affect people of all ages, although it is much more common in children.
  • In the US alone, more than 400,000 school-age children suffer from peanut allergy.

What are the Risk Factors for Peanut Allergy? (Predisposing Factors) 

Common risk factors of peanut allergy include:

  • The presence of other allergies
  • Family members with allergies
  • Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others. 

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Peanut Allergy? (Etiology) 

  • Peanut allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies peanut proteins as being harmful to the body.
  • When people with peanut allergy come into contact or ingest peanuts, the immune system releases chemicals into the bloodstream that result in the common symptoms associated with peanut allergy.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Peanut Allergy?

Some individuals have very minor signs and symptoms; other may have very severe life threatening symptoms.

Common signs and symptoms of peanut allergy include:

  • Hives
  • Swelling
  • Itching
  • Tingling
  • Digestive problems
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Tightening of throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Runny nose

How is Peanut Allergy Diagnosed?

  • To diagnose peanut allergy, a physical examination and questionnaire will usually be conducted by a medical professional.
  • A food diary may be recommended, where patients will note down their eating habits, symptoms, and medications in order to better understand the problem.
  • A skin prick test can also be used to determine if you are allergic to certain foods.
  • A blood test can also be conducted to measure your immune response to particular foods by checking for allergy-type antibodies in the bloodstream.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Peanut Allergy?

  • In some cases, the peanut allergy can become severe and cause anaphylaxis. During anaphylaxis, a severe, full-body allergic reaction occurs.

How is Peanut Allergy Treated? 

  • While no one treatment exists to treat Peanut Allergy, the idea of desensitization is often used. This involves exposing the individual to growing amounts of peanut flour or peanut extract over time to desensitize their immune response to peanuts. Recent studies have shown promising results when started when the patient is young. This treatment is still investigational and should not be performed outside standard medical practice
  • Over-the-counter medications can also be used to treat Peanut Allergy. They can help reduce symptoms such as hives and swelling
  • For severe allergic reactions, it is important to seek medical help. An injection of epinephrine can reduce symptoms and reduce the negative reaction. Individuals with severe Peanut Allergy have their own EpiPen or another brand of epinephrine (adrenaline) device to inject themselves when an allergic reaction happens

Always call the local medical emergency number (911 in the US), in case of a severe allergic reaction.

How can Peanut Allergy be Prevented?

  • Since the cause of Peanut Allergy is largely unknown, there are no known methods or preventing this form of allergy
  • The only way to prevent a peanut allergic reaction from occurring is by avoiding peanuts

What is the Prognosis of Peanut Allergy? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • With medication and medical treatment, most cases of Peanut Allergy can be properly treated and individuals can live normal lives.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Peanut Allergy: 

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/allergy-center/

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On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Lester Fahrner, MD picture
Reviewed by

Lester Fahrner, MD

Chief Medical Officer, DoveMed Team

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