Peanut Allergies Affect Millions of Americans

With over 1.5 million Americans suffering from peanut allergies, it is unfortunate that they seldom know they have the allergy until peanuts or nut products have been ingested. However, after the first intolerable reaction, being aware of peanut allergies can be life-saving knowledge. An intolerance to peanuts may cause minor symptoms, but an allergic reaction that reacts in a person’s immune system, can cause life-threatening reactions.

Different people respond differently, depending on the severity of the peanut allergies, but the worst reaction is anaphylactic response, which can cause a person to go into shock or can even cause death. A highly sensitive person who ingests peanuts, the reaction can be almost immediate. Bronchi in the airways constrict, making breathing nearly impossible. It may also cause the blood pressure to fall to dangerous levels. Suffering from peanut allergies also causes dizziness and in many cases unconsciousness.

Non-life-threatening reactions may include labored breathing, weak pulse, lips turning blue, nausea, dizziness and unconsciousness. The time for the symptoms of peanut allergies to appear can be immediate or as long as an hour after eating peanut products. It is the protein in the peanuts that cause the anaphylactic reaction.

With peanuts being one of the most often used items in food products, caution is needed by those with peanut allergies to carefully read the ingredients labels, to insure they do not accidentally ingest the peanut protein. Peanuts can be found in numerous food items such as ice cream, candy and many meat items, sometimes used as a protein additive. Labeling requirements make it illegal to sell items containing peanuts without being listed on the label. However, some requirements specify that an insignificant amount need not be listed, but even a trace can cause problems for those with severe peanut allergies.

If a person begins to show signs of a reaction indicating peanut allergies, medical treatment should be sought immediately. Failure to receive prompt medical attention could lead to a life-threatening situation.

A person with peanut allergies does not have to actually eat in the peanuts to suffer a reaction. Simply handling them may be enough to trigger a response. Kissing a person who recently ate peanuts can cause a reaction through this type of direct contact. An unintended result of cross-contamination, such as another person handling peanuts and then handling another type of food can also trigger an attack. Inhaling aerosols such as cooking sprays containing peanut flour can also provoke an attack.