An allergic reaction is an exaggerated immune system response to things that are harmless to most people. All foods contain some antigens (i.e., substances the body perceives as harmful) and your body regulates their dispersal and eventual elimination. In the case of peanut allergic individuals, the immune system overreacts to the antigens in peanuts, producing a potentially fatal reaction.
The Allergic Reaction to Peanuts
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 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.
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