Sponsored Links

Get Free Shipping

Order more than $40 and get Free Shipping on all peanut free and nut free items in our Online Store.
Click here to start shopping.

Allergic Reaction

The Allergic Reaction to Peanuts

immunoglobulin
Immunoglobulin, photo by
Dr. Richard Feldmann

When someone with a peanut allergy eats peanuts, their T cells overreact to the antigens and stimulate excessive production of immunoglobulin. Immunoglobulin, in turn, stimulates the production of symptom-causing chemicals, primarily histamines which cause swelling. An allergic reaction ensues. The reaction has a wide variance in severity, but peanut allergy reactions tend toward the severe.

Peanut Allergy Symptoms

Peanut allergy causes various degrees of inflammation, itching and indigestion. Inflammation, or swelling, is the greatest concern as it can lead to blockage of the air passages and circulatory collapse, i.e. anaphylaxis. Reactions can be immediate (within seconds) or delayed for several hours. Susceptible individuals can be affected by only a few milligrams of peanut protein. Approximately 75% of peanut-allergic children will experience a reaction the first time that they eat peanuts.

Signs and symptoms of peanut allergy may include:

  • Skin reactions such as urticaria (hives), redness or edema (swelling)
  • Itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat
  • Digestive problems such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting
  • Tightening of the chest
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Anaphylaxis, a whole-body allergic reaction that can result in suffocation and a sudden drop in blood pressure

Anaphylaxis / Anaphylactic Shock

An anaphylactic reaction must be treated with epinephrine immediately; ongoing observation is required as the reaction may recur after initial therapy.

Dive Deeper

References

Related Articles

Sponsored Links

disclaimer

The information provided on PeanutAllergy.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes and we encourage all visitors to see a licensed physician if they believe that they have a peanut allergy. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of PeanutAllergy.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.

Shopping Cart

There are no products in your shopping cart.

0 Items $0.00
Featured Product
Sponsored Links
Peanut Free Points and Rewards

Earn Points, Get Rewards!

At PeanutAllergy.com, we reward people who reach out to others in the Peanut Allergy community. Participating is easy! Sign up, participate, earn Peanut Free Points and get rewarded with discounts and prizes.

Click here to learn more

Peanut Free Points Leaders for the Past 3 Weeks
UserPeanut Free Points
cervonil200
nmainmom100
ses197895
binababy65
drgnflie110265

Congratulations to our July Winners

August Contest - Win A Gift Certificate



Accumulate the most Peanut Free Points by August 31 and win a PeanutAllergy.com Store gift certificate worth $50

1st Place: $50 Gift Certificate

2nd Place: $35 Gift Certificate

3rd Place: $25 Gift Certificate

How To Play

User login
New Forum Topics
Peanut Allergy News
Featured Product
jar of SoyNut Butter

SoyNut Butter

I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter, made in a 100% nut-free facility, tastes great and has the same taste and texture as peanut butter. I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter is also nutritionally superior to peanut butter in many ways. Compare I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter with the leading brand of peanut butter… Complete Details…

Poll
What's the hardest peanut-free product to find in your neighborhood?:
Latest Peanut Allergy Blogs
peanutti