Allergies Caused by Peanuts

When the body is allergic towards a type of food species called legumes it is called peanut allergy. It is a common type of food allergy and persons are allergic to proteins present in peanuts. These allergies last lifelong. Identification of peanut allergy at an early stage; proper treatment for this ailment with adequate awareness regarding the prevention and care for this type of allergy is essential for preserving the person’s health.

The symptoms of peanut allergy include pruritus and edema of any body part, nausea and vomiting, rhinorrhea, dyspnea, hoarseness, loss of consciousness and finally death.

In severe cases of anaphylaxis the histamines generated as a result of allergy can be lethal, and can bring about death in a matter of minutes. If the allergic symptoms do not subside within 5 to 10 minutes, it could be progressing towards anaphylaxis and blood pressure will drop drastically. The local edema turns into general anasarca and cause asphyxial death to the patient. Immediate administration of epinephrine injection is the first course of treatment.  Proper supervision is absolutely necessary and constant monitoring of the patient’s condition for prevention of relapse is necessary for the treatment.

There is no permanent cure or remedy for peanut allergy. The only way to avoid the malaise is to avoid exposure to peanut or any legume in any form, directly or indirectly. The allergic persons should not only be aware of the allergy themselves but also should inform concerned persons to avoid any exposure to peanuts. Peanut oil, peanut butter, or hydrolyzed vegetable protein should be avoided at all costs. Not only that all foods in which these products may have been used should be checked well before consumption.

In view of the severity of the symptoms caused by this allergy the proper labeling of contents in eatables should be made mandatory by law.