Peanut Allergies
By Aram
Definition and Symptoms:
Peanut allergy is a distinct food allergy that leads to an
over-reaction of the immune system resulting in severe physical problems
to several millions across the world. For some who are allergic, the
protein inside the peanut has adverse chemical reaction and often times
it is the main cause of food-related deaths as well. If an individual is
allergic to peanuts, even a small portion of it consumed directly or
indirectly through food products can be killing as the body's immune
system overreact and can simply cause life-threatening condition. Peanut
is often mixed in several food products as peanut butter, but is often
labeled as groundnut or hydrolyzed vegetable protein and people tend to
ignore that. Peanut allergy, today is more responsible for more
fatalities than any other form of food allergy.
This allergic reaction spreads very fast and often proves fatal. Thus,
one needs to be aware of its warning signs and symptoms that range from
skin irritability to anaphylaxis, a severe form that can be
life-threatening symptom.
Some of the common symptoms of peanut allergies include:
- Allergic skin reactions in the form of redness and swelling
- Swollen mouthparts including tongue and lips called angioedema
with a tingling sensation and even itchy eyes
- A voice change as it becomes hoarse accompanied with runny and
stuffy nose
- Feeling of Nausea and dizziness and initial shortness of breath
with wheezing
- Cramped pain in stomach with digestive disorders such as
diarrhea
- Feeling of tightness of throat, mouth and even chest
- Attack of Asthma
However, severe peanut allergic reactions can lead to anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis symptoms include:
- Sudden difficulty in breathing leading to swollen throat and
constriction of blood vessels
- Severe drop in blood pressure due to shock
- Increased pulse rate
- A feeling of lightheadedness and even a state of unconsciousness
often leading to coma
|
