How dangerous is Peanut Allergy?

 According to some statistical data that has been collected recently, 1.5 million Americans were reported to suffer from peanut allergy. This certain type of allergy is also the main cause of anaphylaxis. As it has been reported, in 80 percent of the cases, this lethal allergic reaction is correlated with peanut allergy. People must report to a doctor the reactions they have when they consume peanuts. The doctor will perform the diagnosis and depending on the severity of the symptoms he or she will choose the most appropriate treatment.

  It is best to look for medical advice as soon as the symptoms become visible. By taking this measure people make sure that they prevent any unpleasant complications. Before looking for medical advice people should first know what the symptoms of peanut allergy are. In addition, people must know how to distinguish peanut allergy from peanut intolerance. While the latter is characterized by indigestion and heartburn, peanut allergy has very serious symptoms. In addition, in peanut intolerance the immune system of the person does not have any role. Peanut allergy, on the other hand, appears as a reaction of the immune system. In people who are allergic to peanuts, the immune system confuses the proteins found in peanuts for dangerous substances. When this happens, a chemical substance called histamine is released into the body. Histamine is responsible for the allergic reaction and for the symptoms.

The symptoms of peanut allergy do not differ from the ones of the other forms of allergy. The seriousness of the symptoms also differs from one person to another, depending on the immune system of each person. The amount of peanuts that have been ingested determines the severity of peanut allergy. As it has been mentioned before, peanut allergy may lead to a deadly allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This reaction is characterized by wheezing, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. The pulse is either very weak or very fast. During anaphylactic shock, the skin, lips and nail beds turn blue because of the lack of oxygen. The best way to stay away from the peanut allergy symptoms is to avoid the peanuts. In adults, this is not a very hard thing to do, but in children this problem tends to get a bit more serious.

However, it is very important to know that children actually have a chance to outgrow peanut allergy. According to the studies that have been performed recently, between 20 and 25 percent of the children who have peanut allergy are in fact able to outgrow this health condition. In some seldom cases peanut allergy gets to be observed again in children who were treated.