A peanut allergy is an abnormal immune system response that can trigger a wide array of symptoms or reactions. This type of allergy can appear in infancy, and it affects roughly 1 percent of all U.S. children and adults. Some infants and children eventually outgrow their peanut allergies; however most do not.
Peanut Allergy Basics
Peanut allergies begin when the immune system mistakenly produces attacking agents, called antibodies, in response to the presence of peanuts in the diet. In turn, these antibodies produce a chemical called histamine, which causes alterations in a number of organ systems, including the skin, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system and lungs. Potential mild or severe symptoms of an allergic reaction to peanuts include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, hives, mouth tingling, swelling of the throat and tongue, chest tightness and a potentially fatal form of shock called anaphylaxis. Depending on the individual, these reactions can arise in anywhere from seconds to roughly two hours.
Infants and Allergies
You can develop a peanut allergy at any age, the March of Dimes Foundation reports. Frequently, the condition is diagnosed in infants and children before they reach their second birthday. Peanut allergies tend to run in family bloodlines, and allergy specialists once advised expectant mothers to avoid peanut consumption. However, peanut avoidance during pregnancy apparently has no effect on allergy rates in newborns and children. What's more, omission of peanuts from the diets of newborns and young children does not appear to reduce the chances of developing an allergy in later life.
Outgrowing Allergies
As many as 20 percent of all infants and children with peanut allergies eventually outgrow them, according to the March of Dimes Foundation and the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. However, a person with a diagnosed allergy should never start eating peanuts without a doctor's explicit advice. Typically, allergy diagnosis and ongoing assessment require the expertise of an allergy specialist, or allergist, who can perform specific tests designed to uncover allergic reactions. Common methods of allergy testing include taking of medical and family histories, skin testing and blood testing.
Considerations
If your infant has a peanut allergy, strictly avoid exposing him to peanuts and any type of food that might contain them. Review the labels of all foods you purchase and consult a registered nutritionist for information on how to construct a peanut-free diet. If you had a peanut allergy as a child, don't expose yourself to peanuts or attempt to conduct any form of allergy testing on your own. Instead, seek the advice of a qualified allergist.
