Peanuts are one of the most easy to grab snacks but for someone with a peanut allergy, even a tiny piece can look life threatening. Peanut allergy is a common and severe food allergy, and its effects on the body can be overwhelming.
But what really happens inside the body when someone with this allergy takes a bite of peanut butter or a snack containing it. We will discuss peanut allergy attack, its symptoms, and understand what causes peanut allergy.
What Happens in a Peanut Allergy?
A peanut allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in peanuts as harmful invaders. Normally, our immune system defends against bacteria and viruses. But if someone has this allergy, exposure to peanuts can worsen the condition.
When peanuts enter the body, the immune system produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which bind to peanut proteins. These antibodies trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals, causing inflammation throughout the body. These lead to the characteristic peanut allergy symptoms ranging from mild itching to severe anaphylaxis.
What Happens Inside the Body During an Attack?
When you take a bite of peanut and any snack containing it, this is what happens in your body:
1. Immediate Immune Reaction
Within minutes of exposure, IgE antibodies recognise peanut proteins and activate immune cells. This triggers the release of histamine, which leads to swelling, redness, and itching.
2. Skin Responses
Many people experience hives, rashes, or redness as one of the first visible symptoms of peanut allergy in adults and children alike.
3. Respiratory Changes
Histamine affects your airways, causing coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. In severe cases, your throat may even swell, which makes breathing extremely difficult.
4. Digestive System Distress
For some individuals, peanut allergy leads to nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, or vomiting soon after they consume peanuts.
5. Circulatory System Impact
The most severe reaction anaphylaxis can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure and rapid pulse, putting you at a risk of shock. This is why immediate medical help is critical.
Peanut Allergy Symptoms You Should Look For
Recognising the early signs of allergy can save your life. Common peanut allergy symptoms include:
- Hives or redness on the skin
- Itching in or around the mouth and throat
- Runny nose or sneezing
- Swelling of lips, tongue, or face
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Tightening of the throat
- Dizziness or fainting in severe cases
The symptoms of peanut allergy in adults are often similar to those in children but may sometimes be overlooked, as adults may dismiss mild signs until they become significant.
Even trace amounts of peanut proteins in processed foods can trigger an immune response. A peanut butter allergy is similar to standard peanut allergy. It is simply another form of exposure to peanut proteins.
Can Infant Peanut Allergy Be Prevented?
Infant peanut allergy has been rising globally. There are multiple guidelines for its prevention. Studies show that introducing peanut-containing foods early (around 6 months of age) after consulting a paediatrician) may actually reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy later in life.
However, for infants at high risk such as those with eczema or a family history of allergies, it is important to get medical advice before introducing allergies.
How Long Does a Peanut Allergy Reaction Last?
The duration varies depending on the severity of the reaction. Mild symptoms like itching or hives may last a few hours, while severe reactions such as anaphylaxis can progress within minutes and require emergency treatment.
With medical intervention, allergy symptoms usually resolve within hours, but in some cases, they can recur after 12-24 hours (a phenomenon called biphasic reaction).
Peanut Allergy Treatment Options
As of now, there is no permanent cure for peanut allergies. The best prevention tip is to avoid consuming peanuts and its products. However, several strategies recommended by healthcare professionals can help manage and treat reactions:
- Epinephrine Auto-injector (EpiPen): It is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.
- Antihistamines: Useful for mild reactions like itching or hives.
- Oral Immunotherapy (OIT): A medical approach where small, controlled amounts of peanut protein are introduced under supervision to desensitise the immune system.
- Emergency Care: Always seek medical attention after a severe reaction, even if symptoms seem to go away.
Home Remedy for Peanut Allergy
Many people search for a home remedy for peanut allergy, but unfortunately, there isn’t one. While mild skin reactions may be managed with cool compresses or over-the-counter antihistamines, an allergic reaction especially involving breathing or circulation requires professional medical care. If you delay the treatment, it can be life-threatening.
How to Test for Peanut Allergy at Home?
A peanut allergy should never be diagnosed through risky at-home exposure tests. Instead, professionals recommend skin-prick testing or blood tests to measure IgE antibody levels. If you are wondering how to test for peanut allergy at home, the safest way is to avoid doing it. Only a trained healthcare provider can conduct reliable and safe testing.
Read More: Fuel Your Day with the Countless Peanut Butter Benefits
What Causes Peanut Allergy?
The exact reasons aren’t fully understood yet, but several factors that may contribute are:
- Genetics: If allergies run in the family, the risk is higher.
- Early Exposure Patterns: Delayed introduction of peanuts in infants may increase risk.
- Immune System Factors: Some people’s immune systems are more prone to misidentifying peanut proteins as dangerous.
Wrapping Up
A peanut allergy is more than just a food sensitivity. When your immune system overreacts and the situation becomes life-threatening, the allergy occurs. If you can identify peanut allergy symptoms, know what causes peanut allergy, and be aware of peanut allergy treatment options, they can get rid of it safely.
If you have any doubt about the symptoms, always seek professional medical care over relying on any home remedy for peanut allergy.
