What is peanut allergy?

Peanut Allergy

What is a peanut allergy?

A peanut allergy is a reaction that occurs when your body mistakenly identifies peanuts as a harmful substance. When you eat peanuts or food that contains peanuts, your body's immune system overreacts. This can cause a severe allergic reaction that may need immediate medical care.

What are the symptoms of a peanut allergy?

Symptoms of peanut allergy can range from mild to severe. If you have a mild reaction, you may get:

  • A stomachache.
  • A runny nose.
  • Itchy eyes.
  • Hives.
  • Tingling in your lips or tongue.

Your symptoms may start from within a few minutes to a few hours after eating peanuts or peanut products.

People who are allergic to peanuts may have a dangerous reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include:

  • Problems breathing and swallowing.
  • Severe belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Dizziness.
  • Dangerously low blood pressure.
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, and other parts of the body.
  • Loss of consciousness.

Anaphylaxis can cause death if not treated. It usually occurs within minutes but can occur up to several hours after eating peanuts or peanut products.

How is a peanut allergy diagnosed?

To diagnose a peanut allergy, your doctor will start with a medical history and a physical exam. Your doctor will want to know about family members with food allergies, especially siblings with peanut allergies.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and how soon they started after you ate the food. They will ask if any over-the-counter allergy medicines like an antihistamine were helpful.

You may also have allergy tests, such as skin tests or blood tests.

It's important to find out whether you have a food allergy or food intolerance. You may be asked to keep a record of all the foods you eat and any reactions to the foods. Your doctor may also have you do an oral food challenge during your appointment so any reaction can be monitored and treated.

How is an allergic reaction to peanuts treated?

Avoiding any contact with peanuts, foods that contain peanuts, and peanut oils is the best treatment. But if you eat peanuts by accident, follow your doctor's instructions.

If you had a severe reaction in the past, your doctor probably prescribed a medicine called epinephrine. If you have symptoms in more than one body area, such as mild nausea and an itchy mouth, give yourself an epinephrine shot. Then call 911.

Even if you feel better after giving yourself the shot, symptoms of anaphylaxis can recur or suddenly appear hours later. You will need to be watched in a hospital for several hours after your symptoms go away.

If you do not have epinephrine and are having a severe allergic reaction, call 911 right away.

How can you care for yourself when you have a peanut allergy?

Follow your doctor's plan for foods to avoid. Be sure to check food labels. If you had a life-threatening reaction to peanuts in the past, keep an epinephrine shot with you at all times. Make sure it has not expired. Make sure family and friends know how to help.

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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.