Signs & Symptoms of Allergies to Organic Peanut Butter

Signs & Symptoms of Allergies to Organic Peanut Butter
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A peanut allergy is considered one of the most common food-related allergies among children and adults, according to MayoClinic.com. If you've been diagnosed with a peanut allergy, you should avoid eating any type of peanut butter. Consuming organic peanut butter, if you have a peanut allergy, will cause mild to severe allergic reaction symptoms. Signs and symptoms of an allergy to organic peanut butter will develop within a few minutes or up to an hour after consuming it. A severe allergic reaction can develop quickly and may need emergency medical attention to alleviate the symptoms. Talk to your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Asthma

If you're allergic to peanuts and you eat organic peanut butter, your body's immune system mistakes the proteins in the peanut butter as harmful and begins to defend the body. The immune system creates antibodies that specifically fight against the proteins. The introduction of these antibodies into the bloodstream causes mast cells to produce histamine. Histamine released in the lungs causes inflammation and swelling, reducing your ability to breathe normally. Signs and symptoms of asthma after eating organic peanut butter include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, lightheadedness and chest tightness.

Digestive Upset

Digestive difficulties are common with all food-related allergies. KidsHealth states that common symptoms of an allergic reaction to organic peanut butter include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping and abdominal pain. Your intestines become inflamed and swollen, which causes pain cramping in the stomach. Report vomiting and diarrhea to your doctor to ensure you're not experiencing a severe allergic reaction.

Skin Irritation

Skin reactions may occur shortly after eating organic peanut butter. A tingling in the mouth, throat or lips can develop within a few minutes after consuming the peanut butter. As histamine levels increase in the skin, you may develop general itchiness, eczema or hives. Hives and eczema are two allergic skin conditions that cause the skin to swell and become irritated. Hives develop in clusters anywhere on the body and appear as welts with defined borders. Eczema develops as pimple-like blisters that can weep and crust over when scratched, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactic shock is an extreme allergic reaction that causes the releases of histamine throughout the body, causing your body to go into a state of shock. Common signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock include swelling of the throat, rapid pulse, constriction of the airways, a sudden drop in blood pressure, lightheadedness and dizziness. Anaphylactic shock can lead to death and will require emergency medical attention. If you have a known peanut allergy, talk with your doctor about a prescription for an epinephrine pen.

References

Article reviewed by Elizabeth Ahders Last updated on: Dec 24, 2010

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