by Vickie Britton

Created on: March 17, 2009

Avoiding eating peanuts, peanut butter cookies and other products that obviously contain peanuts seems an easy solution to safeguard a child or other person who suffers an allergy to peanuts. However, it is not that simple. Peanut allergy is one of the most frustrating of the food allergies because peanuts are often used in products that one would not expect to contain peanuts. Even a little bite of a product containing peanuts or exposure by other means such as inhalation can set off an allergic reaction in some people.

Symptoms of Peanut Allergy

Allergic reaction to peanuts, like allergies to other foods and substances, stems from an over-reaction of the immune system. The body does not perceive the peanut as food, but as a dangerous substance it must get rid of. The body reacts by creating antibodies to fight against the foreign invader. An allergic reaction may occur in minutes and may include a variety of symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening.

Symptoms include:

skin reactions: rashes, hives, redness and swelling

stomach reactions: cramps, vomiting, nausea or diarrhea

respiratory: runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, asthma

cardiovascular: lightheadedness or feeling faint

An allergic reaction to peanuts can also cause a very serious condition called anaphylaxis. In this case, falling blood pressure, constricted breathing tubes and swelling of the tongue may create a medical emergency which must be Treated with an adrenaline injector such as epinephrine.

Avoiding Exposure to Peanuts and Hidden Peanuts Products

Exposure to peanuts can occur not only by direct contact, but also as a result of exposure to peanuts during food processing, and inhalation of products that contain peanuts such as peanut flour or peanut oil cooking spray. Read food labels with care, even the fine print. Many foods use peanuts in the processing. Baked goods, ice cream, energy bars and cereals, breads. and even salad dressings may contain peanut products or have been processed with equipment that has come into contact with peanuts. Be careful to note labels such as "may contain nuts" or "may have been produced on equipment used for peanut products."

Most reactions to peanuts are not life-threatening. Peanut intolerance or a mild reaction to exposure to peanuts can be treated with antihistamines. Many allergy attacks can be prevented by careful monitoring of food labels and diet. However, no matter how careful a person might be, accidental ingestion or inhalation is always a possibility, especially at school, while traveling or dining out. Parents who have a child with a potentially life-threatening peanut allergy who are at risk of anaphylaxic shock must take special measures to alert the school of the problem and to plan emergency procedures. Those who have a severe reaction to exposure to peanuts should always take extra precautions by wearing a medical alert bracelet and carrying injectable epinephrine in case of a sudden, unexpected exposure and reaction.

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