Subscribe Feed (RSS)Peanuts are one of the most beloved and prolific food types in the United States. Legendary scientist George Washington Carver discovered more than 100 food recipes utilizing peanuts and another 100 practical uses around the home, farm or in industry that make use of peanuts or peanut products.
Unfortunately, a significant portion of the American population are unable to tolerate peanuts or peanut products. An estimated 1.8 million United States residents are allergic to peanuts. A recent surge in the number of people allergic to peanuts contributed to this high number. No one is quite sure why more people are being diagnosed with peanut allergies, but some researchers believe it may be because children are being exposed to peanut products at a too-early age. Other researchers disagree arguing that introducing young children to limited amounts of peanut products actually helps them build an immunity to peanut allergies.
According to the Mayo Clinic, peanut allergies generally manifest in the early years of a child’s life, and while most kids eventually outgrow other food allergies, a peanut allergy can be a lifelong health risk. The reaction to a peanut allergy can range anywhere from a minor skin rash or itch to anaphylaxis, a swelling of the airway which can cause a person to suffocate.
An allergic response to peanuts usually happens quickly after exposure to peanuts or peanut products. Symptoms of a peanut allergy include, a rash or hives, vomiting, stomach cramps or diarrhea, or shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
To test for a peanut allergy, your health care provider will perform either a skin prick test, or a blood test. In a skin prick test, a portion of your skin will be exposed to a small amount of a peanut product. If you have a reaction, you’re allergic. In a blood test, a sample of your blood will be taken and a lab will analyze the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to determine whether you have a peanut allergy.
Folks with mild peanut allergies can be treated with antihisthamines, but the best way to avoid a reaction is to avoid peanuts and peanut products altogether. If you have a severe peanut allergy and are exposed to peanuts, you may go into anaphylaxis and require an injection of adrenaline and a visit to the emergency room to save your life.
For folks with severe peanut allergies, education and preparation are the key to avoiding tragedy. Be aware of what your food contains, avoid situations where you may be exposed to peanut allergies and keep a kit with an adrenaline shot handy just in case.
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