We may not be meant to experience all the "goodness" which Nature provides to us. Something, even many things may stay out of our reach! It's not just about accessibility, but also about our body's capability to tolerate them! We can take the example of peanuts as a typical illustration. Peanuts, enriched with niacin, antioxidants, resveratrol and coenzyme Q10, are thought to be immensely beneficial for our health, but some of us simply do not have the "luck" to get a share of its health benefits out of concerns for peanut allergy. For this section of people, cooking with peanut oil (high in healthy monounsaturated fats) or adding peanut butter to bread slices will remain as an unrealized goal.
Peanuts are among the top allergy-causing foods. Peanut allergy is considered to be one of the most dangerous food allergies according to the Food Allergy Initiative. Peanut allergy involves the development of rapid and severe reactions. Peanut allergy can result in severe symptoms such as atopic dermatitis. Statistical reports suggest that nearly 1.5 million people in the United States have been suffering from peanut allergy. Children commonly get affected with peanut allergy, which may still persist even after they become grownups. Isolating the peanut containing foods from the diet along with an increased awareness while dining out and grocery shopping may help to prevent allergic reactions.
The Symptoms
The 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). The symptoms are observed in the following body parts:
- Skin: Food allergy symptoms commonly manifest as skin reactions. Some typical expressions include the development of red, itchy bumps, eczema and inflammations on the face and around the mouth.
- Gastrointestinal System: Abdominal cramps, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea are the commonly observed symptoms.
- Respiratory System: The symptoms can be as minor as a runny or stuffy nose or watery eyes, but it may also trigger an asthma attack with coughing and wheezing.
- Cardiovascular System: An individual may feel giddy or may faint.
The Causes
An individual gets peanut allergy when his immune system considers the peanut proteins as something injurious. A direct or an indirect contact with peanuts, causes the immune system to give out chemicals into the bloodstream. These chemicals actually cause the symptoms of allergy. But we still do not know why some individuals are susceptible to this reaction while others do not face such an issue.
How Can You Get Exposed to Peanuts?
- Direct Contact: Consuming peanuts or peanut-containing foods amounts to direct contact and this is the most common way by which one can get peanut allergy. In some cases, allergic reactions are also triggered by direct skin contact.
- Cross-Contact: An accidental inclusion of peanuts into a product may trigger allergic reactions. It normally occurs due to an unintentional exposure of a food to peanuts at the time of processing or handling.
- Inhalation: Inhalation of dust or peanut bearing aerosols may act as triggers. Aerosols will typically include peanut flour and cooking oil spray.
The Risk Factors
The various factors include:
- Age
- Past allergic reactions to peanuts
- Other allergies
- Family members with allergies
- Atopic dermatitis
The Diagnosis
There are a few ways to test for peanut allergy. The results of peanut allergy testing may suggest whether you are allergic or not, but they are not a reliable guide to predict the mildness or the severity of the reaction. Here are the diagnostic tests:
- Blood Test: A blood test (called a radioallergosorbent or RAST test) can measure your immune system's response to peanuts by measuring the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. A blood sample is sent to a medical laboratory, where it can be tested for evidence of sensitivity to peanuts.
- Skin Prick Test: In this test, your skin is pricked and exposed to small amounts of the proteins found in peanuts to see if you have a skin response. If you're allergic, then you will observe the development of a hive at the test location on your skin.
- Food Challenges: Food challenges are also an appropriate way to diagnose food allergies. Prior to initiating a food challenge, the peanut allergen must be eliminated from the diet for 10 to 14 days for IgE mediated food allergy and up to 8 weeks for cell-mediated allergic reaction.
The Treatment
In the very first place, you need to eliminate the reaction causing foods from your diet. Secondly, you should learn how to avoid minor reactions and lastly, you should also get educated about the ways to
- For an Insignificant Allergic Reaction: The symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter or recommended antihistamines.These medications can bring relief from itching. But it needs to be noted that antihistamines do not have adequate power to cure a severe reaction.
- For a Rigorous Allergic Reaction: An emergency jab of epinephrine may be needed in cases of severity. One may also land up in the emergency ward of a healthcare center. Many individuals, who are at risk, prefer to carry an epinephrine autoinjector (Twinject, EpiPen and EpiPen Jr) with them. This instrument is a combination of syringe and a hidden needle which can push in a single dose of drug when you press it against your thigh.
The Prevention
The top way by which you can prevent peanut allergy is by identifying and avoiding the reaction causing foods. You need to note that peanuts may stay hidden in certain foods. This holds true for foods available in restaurants and in other social situations. These steps may help you out:
- Read food labels watchfully and avoid the foods which might have come into a contact with peanuts.
- Consult your doctor and ask him whether you can carry emergency medications in case if you suffer from severe reactions.
Peanuts can be traced in many foods and so you may find it a real challenge to pass up the foods that contain peanuts. These foods may contain peanuts:
- Energy Bars
- Ground or mixed nuts
- Marzipan
- Baked goods like cookies and pastries
- Grain breads
- Ice cream and frozen desserts
- Cereals and granola
Dabbing your index finger into some peanut butter and licking it is a tempting proposition! Complementing your main course with some peanut condiments will help to give some enjoyment to your taste buds. Having allergic reactions to peanuts may dishearten you, but it may open new doors for exploration- you may try to discover new great tastes without those "discomforts".
