Posted on January 8, 2008 in Latest News
When eating peanuts results in an inappropriate reaction, it is said to be Peanut Allergy. Allergies occur when our body’s immune system mistakes recognizing a harmless substance for a dangerous and it attacks back releasing a chemicals like histamine in blood. These chemicals can affect different tissues and organs of the body.
Causes of Peanut Allergy
It is not really clear why peanuts trigger allergies in people. However, it is important to understand that every individual’s body is different and reacts differently in different situations. Some substances are plainly not accepted by your immune system.
Symptoms of Peanut Allergy
Symptoms of Peanut allergy may appear from a mild reaction causing runny nose or a stomach ache, in certain cases it may erupt as an itchy skin rash, hives or a tingling sensation in your lips or sometimes tongue. Some people also develop symptoms like wheezing, cough, vomiting, abdominal pain, throat infection, diarrhea etc. These symptoms may appear immediately after eating peanuts or peanut products or after a few hours.
In some people the common symptoms of peanut allergy develop into a life-threatening reaction called Anaphylaxis. Its symptoms can vary from swelling of lips, throat, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, dizziness, unconsciousness etc.
Diagnosis of Peanut Allergy
If the symptoms do not indicate clearly towards Peanut allergy, the doctor will advise a blood test or a stool test in order to find out whether you have had an allergic reaction or not.
Treatment of Peanut Allergy
Like most Allergic reactions, Peanut allergy also has no cure. People may get desensitized to them over a period of time. Some people are given medications called epinephrine and antihistamine.
Prevention from Peanut Allergy
Peanut allergy can be plainly prevented by avoiding foods containing peanuts. Make sure you carefully read the labels of food items carefully
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