Peanuts are among the top allergy-causing foods. A peanut allergy is considered one of the most dangerous food allergies, according to the Food Allergy Initiative. Peanut allergies are mostly found in young children but can affect anyone at any age. If you notice that you develop unpleasant reactions after you eat a food containing peanuts, you should contact your doctor for a proper evaluation. If you're allergic to peanuts, you need to be aware of all ingredients in any food you eat because they may be found in unlikely foods, such as chili, according to Kids Health.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a peanut allergy may cause mild to severe symptoms. Severe symptoms need to be evaluated by a medical professional immediately by either calling 911 or visiting an emergency room. Severe symptoms can cause death. Severe allergy symptoms include facial swelling, hives, the inability to breathe and dizziness, according to MayoClinic.com. Minor symptoms may include: skin rashes, hives, eczema, nausea, cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal congestion, wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing.
Causes
A peanut allergy can be caused by direct contact, cross-contact, ingestion or by inhaling peanut dust, according to MayoClinic.com. You may develop allergic skin dermatitis if you touch peanuts with your skin. You will develop a rash in the area where you touched the food product. Cross-contact is an indirect way that your skin is exposed to peanuts. For example, if you work in a kitchen and you accidentally use a flour that contains peanuts, you can experience an allergic reaction. Ingesting peanuts can cause the worse symptoms. If you inhale peanut dust you may develop asthma-like symptoms.
Risk Factors
A peanut allergy puts you at risk of experiencing anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is an allergic reaction that causes the entire body to develop allergic symptoms, sending the body into a state of shock. If you develop this condition, you will need an injection of epinephrine to restore your body to its normal functionality. Epinephrine is a medication that mimics adrenaline, calming the lungs and other vital functions of the body.
Consideration
Peanuts are not a nut; they are a legume. If you're allergic to peanuts, you may also be allergic to other legumes, such as beans, lentils, peas and soybeans. Your doctor may want to perform certain tests to determine whether you're allergic to other legumes. The Food Allergy Initiative states packaged foods are required by the federal government to disclose the use of peanuts on the package. Read all ingredients in packaged foods and let your server know you're allergic to peanuts before ordering out.
