An allergy to peanuts usually appears during early childhood. It can be mild or severe, but it needs to be taken seriously, as it can be fatal. For reasons not well understood, the body mistakes peanuts for a foreign invader and initiates an immune response to them. This can happen by eating or touching food containing peanuts or by inhaling dust or airborne particles of flour, oils and sprays containing peanuts. If you notice peanut allergy symptoms, talk to your doctor about a treatment program.
Cold-Like Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic states that if you have a peanut allergy, symptoms will likely occur immediately after coming into contact with peanuts. You may have a mild reaction such as an upset stomach or a stuffy and runny nose. You can also develop symptoms similar to a cold such as watery eyes and sneezing.
Skin and Gastrointestinal Symptoms
According to the Kids Health website, a peanut allergy can also cause your skin to become red or swollen and you may break out in a rash or hives. Your mouth may become itchy or develop a tingling sensation. Your face, including your mouth, can become red and swollen. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain or discomfort are other warning signs.
Blocked Airways
If you have a severe allergic reaction, you need immediate medical attention. Be on the lookout for trouble breathing due to your airway swelling and becoming blocked, chest pain or tightness, dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure and a fast pulse. If left untreated, you could go into shock and become unconscious. A severe reaction is called an anaphylaxis attack, and it can be life threatening. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases states that the time it takes your body to initiate an attack depends on how long it takes your body to digest the food. Sometimes the allergic response is immediate while in other cases it can occur an hour or more after exposure.
