Eating too many fried foods can cause your stomach to become upset, but if you only notice cramping after eating peanut oil, you may have a peanut allergy. A peanut allergy is considered by Kids Health to be one of the most common food-allergy foods. Because peanut oil is made from peanuts, the proteins in the oil can cause an allergic reaction. If you experience other symptoms aside from just stomach cramping, call your doctor. An allergy to peanuts can cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock.
Cause
The cramping from eating peanut oil, if you are allergic to peanuts, is caused by irritation in the lining of the intestines. An allergic reaction to peanuts occurs when your immune system doesn't recognize the proteins found in the peanut oil. The body creates IgE antibodies to ward off the peanut proteins. IgE antibodies in the blood trigger mast cells to create histamine, a chemical used by the body to protect against infection, according to the MayoClinic website. In large amounts, histamine causes soft tissue, such as the intestines, to become inflamed.
The inflammation causes stomach cramping and other gastric symptoms.
Symptoms
If the cramping is a result of a peanut allergy, you will develop other symptoms. Gastric symptoms that accompany stomach cramping may include vomiting, nausea, gas, bloating and diarrhea. Other symptoms that may develop shortly after eating foods that have been fried in peanut oil may include tingling in the mouth, lips or tongue, hives, skin rashes, eczema, nasal congestion, a runny nose, shortness of breath and wheezing. A severe allergic reaction can occur that could lead to death if not properly treated. These symptoms include facial swelling, mental confusion, lightheadedness and a rapid but faint pulse.
Consideration
If you develop diarrhea, increase your liquid intake to prevent dehydration. Diarrhea is a common result of stomach cramps that should subside in one to three days. If diarrhea persists for more than three days, call your doctor. If you develop cramping every time you eat a food that has been fried in peanut oil, eliminate the consumption of those foods.
Treatment
Allergic reactions may respond to an over-the-counter antihistamine, according to MayoClinic.com. Skin rashes, hives and itchy skin may be treated with steroid-based creams, such as hydrocortisone. More severe symptoms may require an injection of epinephrine to alleviate life-threatening conditions.
