Read more about this disease, some with Classification – Types – Signs and symptoms – Genetics – Pathophysiology – Diagnosis – Screening – Prevention – Treatment and management – Cures and much more, some including pictures and video when available.
Peanut allergy is a type of food allergy distinct from nut allergies. It is a hypersensitivity to dietary substances from peanuts causing an overreaction of the immune system which may lead to severe physical symptoms for millions of people[1].[clarification needed] The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that peanut allergy is the most common cause of food-related death.[2] However, deaths from food allergies are relatively rare, with an estimated one death per 830,000 children with food allergy each year, leading at least one authority to conclude that the danger has been greatly exaggerated via media sensationalism.[3]Prevalence among adults and children is similar — around 1% — but at least one study shows it to be on the rise in children in the United States.[4] 25% of children with a peanut allergy outgrow it.[5] It is usually treated with an exclusion diet and vigilant avoidance of foods that may be contaminated with whole peanuts or peanut particles and/or oils. The most severe peanut allergies can result in anaphylaxis[6], an emergency situation requiring immediate attention and treatment with epinephrine.
Symptoms of peanut allergy are related to the action of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and other anaphylatoxins, which act to release histamine and other mediator substances from mast cells (degranulation). In addition to other effects, histamine induces vasodilation of arterioles and constriction of bronchioles in the lungs, also known as bronchospasm (constriction of the airways).
Symptoms can include the following:[7]
The British Dietetic Association warns that: “If untreated, anaphylactic shock can result in death due to obstruction of the upper or lower airway (bronchospasm) or hypotension and heart failure. This happens within minutes to hours of eating the peanuts. The first symptoms may include sneezing and a tingling sensation on the lips, tongue and throat followed by pallor, feeling unwell, warm and light headed. Severe reactions may return after an apparent resolution of 1-6 hours. Asthmatics with peanut sensitivity are more likely to develop life threatening reactions.”[7]
While several companies have developed promising drugs to counteract peanut allergies, trials have been mired in legal battles.[8]
One study has shown that peanut allergies are also dependent on race, in particular, Native Americans are less prone to be allergic to peanuts.[9]
Currently there is no treatment to prevent or cure allergic reactions to peanuts.[10] Strict avoidance of peanuts is the only way to avoid an allergic reaction. Children and adults are advised to carry epinephrine injectors to treat anaphylaxis.
In May 2008 food allergy experts at the Duke University Medical Center stated that they expected an immunotherapy treatment for peanut allergies to be available to affected people within five years.[10] Immunotherapy would be used to treat a person’s immune response to peanuts from an allergic reaction to a nonallergic response. This is great news for children and adults living with the allergy. The condition is becoming more common affecting about 1% of children in total. The number of affected people doubled between 1997 and 2002.[10]
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