Peanut Allergy – A Synopsis

Peanut allergy can cause hives, face and throat swelling and block breathing. In recent decades nearly 1 to 1.5 % of the population has become allergic to even smallest traces of peanuts and the number is growing.

The peanut allergy problem can be reduced if the following is taken care of:
Lifestyle, awareness, packaging, training to deal reaction and prompt medical care.

One should be aware of the danger of peanut allergy and its symptoms so that one can react quickly.

One must carefully avoid any trace of peanut in the food. In America between 50 to 100 persons die every year due to peanut allergic reactions. Therefore, peanut allergy cannot be taken lightly. The peanut butter is extremely popular although peanuts are one of the highest allergic foods in America. Symptoms associated are abdominal pain, nausea, stomach cramps, itching, swelling of the face, wheezing and hives.

A group of other researchers in July, 2000 Journal of Allergy and Immunology, agreed that genetics play an important role in peanut allergy. Children may or may not outgrow peanut allergy. Although not easy, only solution is avoidance.  The child must learn how to deal the situation independently and lead a life peanut free but joyous otherwise. Seldom children have recurrence after proper treatment.

It is necessary to rush the person to an Allergist who will possibly do a series of skin reaction tests to ascertain whether one is suffering from peanut allergy. Sufferer from peanut allergy must take sufficient care that he does not consumer and peanut contain food as the situation can be life threatening and can lead to other problems. All peanut allergies must be reported to the attending doctors in case of an emergency and necessary information on the medications taken should be disclosed.

Prevention is always the best form of cure.