If you have a peanut allergy, you know that avoiding them is a difficult task. Peanuts and peanut by-products are used in processed foods, and could cause an allergic reaction. An irregular heart beat caused by a peanut allergy is an alarming symptom. Call 911 immediately if your pulse becomes faint and irregular. This is a sign of anaphylactic shock, an extreme reaction that affects the entire body. If you've been diagnosed with a severe peanut allergy, you should carry an epinephrine pen on your person at all times. Talk with your doctor about acquiring a prescription for this medication.
Peanut Allergy
Peanuts are one of the most common causes of anaphylaxis, according to MayoClinic.com. If you've been diagnosed with a peanut allergy, you need to avoid all products that could potentially have traces of peanuts. The smallest amount of peanuts can cause a severe allergic reaction. Even though a food may not contain peanuts, it could have traces of peanuts if it's manufactured on equipment that is shared with peanuts. The law requires manufactures to state if a food was prepared on equipment shared with peanuts. Always read labels, because food ingredients can change over time.
Irregular Heart Beat
An irregular heart beat is a primary sign and symptom of anaphylaxis. During anaphylaxis, your entire body releases high levels of IgE antibodies and histamine, which cause the body to experience a state of shock. An irregular heart beat will be accompanied with other anaphylactic symptoms, such as hives, low blood pressure, swelling, weakness, wheezing, rapid pulse, skin that is blue or pale and fluid in the lungs. These signs are alarming and will require immediate attention. If this condition is not treated, it can lead to death.
Treatment
Anaphylaxis will not respond to common over-the-counter antihistamines and will require a much stronger medication. Epinephrine is a prescribed drug that is injected during the first signs of anaphylaxis. The drug is an adrenaline that calms the lungs and restores the body to its normal state. If you don't have epinephrine on your person, you need to get emergency medical attention. If you do have the medication and you administer it, you still need to go to the emergency room and call your doctor, because your symptoms can return within 15 minutes.
Consideration
If you have a known severe peanut allergy you should wear a medical ID bracelet that will help bystanders or emergency responders to identify your condition. Inform co-workers and family members of your condition.
