Peanut Allergy

Peanut allergy is a form of food allergy. People who suffer from peanut allergy should avoid all kinds of nuts, and foods containing nuts, because some tree nuts, including, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, and cashews, contain the same potentially hazardous allergens. It is considered that about a third of those suffering peanut allergy would similarly react to tree nuts.

If you become ill after eating peanuts, it is a good indication that you have peanut allergy. If so, it means that your immune system is overreacting, to a substance mistakenly perceived to be harmful. The substance creating the peanut allergy is a protein, which is known as an allergen when it triggers an allergic reaction that produces the symptoms of various medical disorders.

Symptoms

The symptoms of peanut allergy are considered to be amongst the most serious of all allergies. Therefore, whenever they occur, and particularly when they occur in children, they should be dealt with promptly as medical emergencies. It is even more important to be vigilant the first time that peanut allergy is suspected. You should not hesitate to contact your doctor immediately, or seek alternative qualified medical assistance, if he is unavailable for any reason. Once the immediate symptoms have been treated your doctor will be able to advise you, on how to avoid further attacks.

Peanut allergy symptoms include:

Swelling or tingling of lips and tongue
Hives
Asthmatic reactions such as wheezing
Eczema
Anaphylactic shock

Anaphylactic shock is a dangerous condition that must be dealt with as an emergency. Fatalities from anaphylactic shock, induced by peanuts, are at the higher end of deaths from all allergies. However, these are extreme situations, and most anaphylaxis patients survive after emergency treatment. So the message is clear, if you suspect that an allergic reaction is due to peanut allergy, seek professional medical assistance.

Protection

The best way to avoid peanut allergy is to totally avoid the source. Do not eat peanuts, or other nuts, in any shape or form.

Do inspect all food labels, because there are many products that contain nuts, and it may not always be that obvious. If they contain even the slightest, most miniscule presence of nuts, leave them alone. If labels are not clear, and there is any reason whatsoever to believe that nuts are included, do not buy that product.

So many products contain peanuts and tree nuts, that they may penetrate your defenses by skin absorption, and possibly inhalation.

Do not use other products, such as medicines, cosmetics, ointments, and creams, if there is any possibility that, peanuts and tree nuts are included in their formulations.

You should consider wearing a peanut allergy bracelet, or if the sufferer is a family member recommend that they do so. It is to be hoped, and is probable, that your avoidance techniques will keep you clear of the symptoms of peanut allergy. However, situations sometimes arise, when despite every precaution, something untoward occurs. A peanut bracelet would alert others to your condition, so they would know how to best help you.

Remember that you have to protect your own health and that of your family. As far as you are concerned, peanuts and other nut products, can make you ill and be life threatening. You will need to be vigilant to safeguard your family’s health.

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