Understanding Your Peanut Allergy

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Peanut allergies are unpredictable. Live in peace with your peanut allergy by knowing what causes a reaction, and how to prevent one from happening. 

Main Cause

A peanut allergy can develop when a child, or as an adult. When you develop a peanut allergy, the immune system is thinking that the protein found in peanuts is an intruder. This causes the immune system to release antibodies to attack the intruder. This attack is what causes an allergic reaction. 

Peanut Allergies Differ Between People

Some people cannot eat peanuts without a deadly reaction. For some individuals it may cause a minor case of hives. More extreme cases involve individuals not being able to be in the perimeter of peanuts due to having such a severe allergy.  Knowing how allergic you are to peanuts can help prevent a surprise reaction. 

Common Reactions

Common reactions include rashes, stomach pain, hives, itching, lip swelling, and gastrointestinal effects such as diarrhea or constipation.

Severe Reactions

Anaphylactic Shock can lead to breathing issues and can be life threatening. Be prepared for this type of reaction by having an EpiPen. 

Prevention

By avoiding peanuts, and products that contain (or may contain) peanuts allows you to decrease the fear of a potential allergic reaction. For those with a more severe allergy, avoid products that say "was made in a facility that manufactures peanuts". 

Check the Ingredient List

To know if a product contains peanuts or not, check out the nutrition label! Under the ingredients list in bold will be a section that says CONTAINS PEANUT INGREDIENTS, MAY CONTAIN PEANUTS, or if the product was manufactured in a facility that makes peanut products. 

Here is an example:



Note: If you would like to get tested to see what you are allergic to, contact your primary care physician and they will guide you in the right direction. 

-BG

Source: Chacko Allergy. (2021, June 30). Get the facts about peanut allergies – infographic included: Food Allergies Atlanta. Food Allergies Atlanta. Retrieved February 1, 2022, from https://foodallergiesatlanta.com/food-allergy-blog/facts-about-peanut-allergies-infographic/ 


Comments

  1. PRFebruary 19, 2022 at 9:06 AM

    Living with a peanut allergy can be pretty difficult navigating all these obstacles. You explained them all so well! Luckily there are also so many alternatives on the market nowadays for people to enjoy some of their favorite foods with a twist. Of course, everyone knows about almond or cashew butter now, but I like sunflower seed butter because it's peanut and tree nut-free, both big 8 allergens!
    -PR

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