Whether you’re nibbling at the bar, munching a hadful before a game, or slathering them in the form butter on your toast, peanuts are popular snack. Unfortunately, peanuts are also among the most common allergy-causing foods. Research findings from a 2010 study of 38,480 children (infant to 18) indicated that of all food allergies in children, peanut is the most prevalent allergen. [ http://www.aaaai.org/about-aaaai/newsroom/allergy-statistics]
Though peanuts are not a true nut, they are legumes belonging to the same family as peas and lentils but the proteins in peanuts have a similar structure to tree nuts. Hence, people who are allergic to peanuts have high chances of being allergic to tree nuts, such as almonds, pistachios, walnuts and cashews as well. …show more content…
It can cause aa severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment (anaphylaxis). Though peanut allergy is usually lifelong though recent studies show that out 20 percent of individuals with a peanut allergy eventually outgrow it.[ ]http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S009167490148941X
What happens with a peanut allergy?
When someone who is allergic to peanuts consumes it, the immune system identifies the proteins in these as harmful and attempts to eliminate these them from the body by prodcuing antibodies (special proteins designed to fight infections) against that food. This causes an allergic reaction, in which various chemicals like histamine are released in the body. The allergy symptom can vary from mild to severe depending on an individual body response. The symptom may begin with a less severe reaction, which can quickly worsen. If it is not treated quickly, anaphylaxis can be life threatening.
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Mild Symptoms of a Peanut