Do you get allergic to peanuts? Let's learn everything about Peanut Allergy!

Imagine you're at a party with friends, and someone brought you some delicious peanuts. But after a while, your mouth and throat start to itch, your body turns red and itchy, and you feel a little hard to breathe... Have you or your child ever had an experience like this? Then we're talking about a topic that's very important to you. That's peanut allergy, or what we call it in English , Peanut Allergy .

What is Peanut Allergy?

Simply put, a peanut allergy is when your body's immune system overreacts to peanuts. Normally, our immune system protects us from germs that can cause illness. But in someone with a peanut allergy, the body recognizes the proteins in peanuts as a dangerous enemy. So, the immune system goes to great lengths to fight this "enemy." As a result of this fight, we experience allergic reactions.

Despite what many people think, peanuts are not actually a nut. They are actually a member of the legume family, along with chickpeas and lentils. Therefore, peanut allergies are different from tree nut allergies, which are allergies to tree nuts such as almonds and cashews. However, up to 40% of people with peanut allergies are also allergic to other nuts.

Peanuts can often be hidden in our food and drinks. They are added to some recipes and packaged foods. Even a tiny piece of peanut can be severe for someone with an allergy. That's why we tell these people to be very careful about what they eat and drink.

Why do some people develop peanut allergies like this?

When you eat peanuts (or even just smell them), your immune system produces a special type of antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These IgE antibodies go to our cells and tell them to release a chemical called histamine. It is this histamine that is responsible for many of the symptoms of allergies.

Doctors still don't know exactly why some people's bodies react this way while others don't. But they have identified several risk factors that may contribute to this:

• Age: This allergy is most common in babies and young children. As we grow older, our digestive systems develop better. Therefore, adults are less likely to develop this condition.
• Other allergies: If you have allergies to other foods, you are more likely to develop a peanut allergy. People with conditions like hay fever or eczema are also at higher risk.
• Family history: If someone in your family has this allergy, you have a higher chance of developing it too.
• Prior allergies : Some children have had this as children and it gets better as they grow older. However, sometimes, even those who have gotten better can develop this allergy again as adults.

What are the symptoms of a peanut allergy?

Most often, symptoms begin within two hours of eating peanuts. These symptoms can vary from person to person, even in the same person. Sometimes they can start out very mild and suddenly become severe enough to be life-threatening.

The table below shows the most common symptoms and the most dangerous condition, `Anaphylaxis`.

How does a doctor determine if this is a peanut allergy?

If you suspect you have this type of allergy, be sure to see your doctor. After listening to your symptoms and family medical history, he or she may suggest some tests to confirm the condition.

• Food and symptoms diary: This involves keeping a journal of what you eat each day, the symptoms you experience after eating them, and the medications you take.
• Skin test: This is an easy way to find out if you have a peanut allergy. Here, a very small amount of peanut extract is applied to the skin of your hand or back and a small needle is used to prick the skin. If you have an allergy, within a few minutes the area will turn red and a welt will appear, similar to a mosquito bite.
• Blood test: This checks the level of antibodies (IgE) in your blood, which are elevated in cases of allergies.
• Oral food challenge: This is only done in a hospital under the close supervision of a doctor. Here, emergency medical treatment is provided and a very small amount of peanuts is given to you. Then, the amount is gradually increased and your body is monitored to see how it responds.

Treatment and Management of Peanut Allergy

The most important thing is to completely avoid peanuts and all peanut-containing foods as much as possible. However, if you accidentally eat something containing peanuts, there are several medications available to help control your symptoms.

• Epinephrine auto-injector: This is a life-saving medicine. It is most commonly known as an EpiPen. In the event of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), you should get it immediately. Your doctor will teach you how to use it. It is important that your family and friends know how to use it. After using the EpiPen, even if your symptoms subside, you should definitely go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
• Antihistamines: These medications, which come in pill or syrup form, can control minor symptoms like itching and hives.
• Corticosteroids: These can reduce swelling caused by allergies.

New treatments

There are new treatments available, such as ``Oral Immunotherapy.'' In this, a very small amount of peanuts is given to the patient under medical supervision, and the amount is gradually increased over time. This helps to sensitize the immune system to peanuts. This is not a complete cure, but it can help reduce the severe reaction that can occur if peanuts are accidentally eaten.

How to live with a peanut allergy?

Although this is a bit challenging, if you are careful, you can live a normal life.

Another thing is cross-contamination . Imagine, even if you prepare a dish without peanuts, you have previously prepared something with peanuts in the same container and with the same spoon. Then, peanut particles can get into that dish. You have to be very careful about this in restaurants and buffets.

Advice for parents

If your child has a peanut allergy:

• Teach your child to read food labels.
• Inform school teachers, friends, and relatives about the child's condition. If possible, keep a card with the child stating the child's allergy.
• Always keep two EpiPens with your child.
• Teach your child not to share food with others.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet that mentions your child's allergies.

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