Nut Allergies

Peanuts are the most common food allergy reported in children and adults. Approximately 1% of the population suffers from food allergies and of that small number more than 30% are individuals who suffer from nut allergies. Peanuts are not actually a true nut, but rather from the family of foods as peas and lentils, or legumes. The protein in peanuts is similar to that of tree nuts and for this reason those who are allergic to peanuts are often allergic to tree nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and pecans.

An allergic reaction happens in the body when a protein molecule is perceived by the immune system as a threat. This often happens after one or two exposures to a particular protein against which the individual\’s immune system is hyperactive. The immune system will respond to this perceived threat by creating specific antibodies which are designed to fight off these \”invading\” proteins.

The release of these antibodies after exposure to the protein triggers the release of histamine which affects the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system and the skin. Reactions to food allergies can be different depending upon the individual person. And, sometimes the same person can react differently at different times.

Many times the reactions are mild and involve only one system of the body, such as hives over the skin. At other times the reactions can be more severe. Skin reactions are the most common type of reaction to food allergies and can take the form of rashes, eczema or redness and swelling around the mouth.

Individuals who suffer from gastrointestinal reactions will experience cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Respiratory system symptoms will range from a runny stuffy nose to the triggering of an asthma attack complete with coughing and wheezing. When the allergy affects the cardiovascular system it often causes a drop in blood pressure which makes a person feel lightheaded or faint.

In a severe case of a peanut allergy the person can suffer from an anaphylactic reaction which is a sudden and potentially life-threatening medical emergency. In addition to all the symptoms already mentioned people can also suffer from airway swelling to the point where they lose consciousness and have trouble breathing.

The severity of peanut allergies may be related to the ease with which the immune system recognizes proteins from the peanuts more easily than it does other types of food protein. Those who are severely allergic will have a reaction to just a small amount of peanut protein. However, it is very rare that an individual will have a reaction from breathing in particles of peanuts. Most foods which contain peanuts do not allow the protein to escape into the air and just the smell of the food won\’t produce a reaction because the scent does not contain the protein.

In an instance where an individual may react to an airborne particle it is often in an enclosed area where many people are cracking peanuts out of their shells.

It is often a mother of small children who notices that her child has a red and itchy mouth after eating a small amount of peanut butter. Primary care physicians and pediatricians will often refer the family to an allergist who will do quick allergy testing to prove that the reaction was due to the peanut protein.

The only real way to treat a nut allergy is to avoid all foods that may contain tree nuts or peanuts as an ingredient. This means that individuals who suffer from a peanut allergy must be diligent about reading the labels on foods that they purchase and checking the ingredients at restaurants prior to ordering.

Because of the frequent food allergies in the United States the government has passed laws insisting that manufacturers place labels on their foods listing common allergy culprits when they are ingredients. Labels should list if a product contains peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat and other foods which cause allergic reactions.

Some of the highest risk foods for those who have a peanut allergy include cookies, coffeecake and other baked goods, candies, ice cream, sauces and Asian and African cuisine. Even if you\’ve eaten a particular food in the past be sure to check the label because manufacturers sometimes change the processes by which the foods are made. For example, the plants at which the food is processed may now be shared with another company who uses peanuts or peanut butter to thicken their sauces.

Those individuals who suffer from an anaphylactic reaction must carry an epinephrine autoinjector in case of an emergency. This medication will alleviate the symptoms long enough to be transported to the emergency room where emergency room physicians can then support the respiratory system appropriately.

While the number of children who suffer from food allergies is significant it is nowhere near the number of individuals who claim to have food allergies and must require specific and special treatment. Harvard professor, Dr. Nicholas Christakis, believes that the precautions which are now being taken in the public school systems to safeguard children who have peanut allergies has arisen to the level of societal hysteria.

He quotes figures of the roughly 3.3 million Americans who have a nut allergy \”only\” 150 die each year from allergy related causes. His perspective is that the precautions being taken to save those 150 students and adults does not outweigh the inconvenience it causes the rest of society. He believes that in the growing trends to protect the few society is demonizing peanuts and fueling the anxiety of yuppie parents and anxious children. (1)

(1) The New York Times: Are Nut Bans Promoting Hysteria?

RESOURCES

KidsHealth.org: Nut and Peanut Allergy

International Archives of Allergy and Immunology: Tree Nut Allergens

American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Tree Nut Allergy

Food Allergy Initiative: Tree Nut Allergy

Canadian Food Inspection: Tree Nut Allergy

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Prevalence of peanut and tree nut allergy in the United States determined by means of a random digit dial telephone survey: a 5-year follow-up study