Symptoms Of A Peanut Allergy

Don’t you hate it when you are restricted to what you eat because you are allergic to one of the key ingredients? There are dozens of different types of food allergies that can plague people. For some people they are allergic to the iodine that is commonly found in shellfish.

One of the most popular food allergen can be associated with peanuts. Nut allergy is very common among both children and adults and it can also be one of the hardest to avoid. That is because peanuts are used in a variety of dishes even if in a small and obscure way. People who are allergic to peanuts are more than likely also allergic to other types of nuts that include; walnuts, pecans, cashews, brazil nuts, and macadamias.

When someone ingests these types of nuts their immune system will turn its switch to overdrive because it is under the impression that it is being attacked by something potentially harmful. In reality this allergy and most other types of allergies are caused because the immune system is misreading the external element that has been breathed in or digested.

When the immune system recognizes this ‘harmful’ substance it will produce antibodies called immunoglobulin that will fight it. These antibodies will cause the body to release specific types of chemicals that will spread all over the body. One of the more important of these chemicals is histamine – which can affect the person’s skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and the cardiovascular system. When these areas are affected they will create the common symptoms associated with any type of allergy.

The symptoms and reactions from nuts will be different in people. Some people will have only moderate reactions – while others will have a more severe reaction and often have to be taken to the hospital. There are four different parts of the body that can be affected; skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, and cardiovascular system.

Skin

• Hives
• Redness
• Swelling
• Eczema

Respiratory System

• Itch, watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Wheezing

Gastrointestinal System

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Belly Cramps
• Vomiting

Cardiovascular System

• Faint
• Lightheaded

People who suffer from the more severe symptoms will go into anaphylaxis. This symptoms is fatal and will cause a large amount of swelling of the airways preventing airflow in and out. This will cause the person to suffocate and it can decrease their blood pressure. The smallest amount or touch from nut protein and products can create this reaction. That is why people with this allergy should carry special medication in case this happens.