How to Manage a Peanut Allergy: Symptoms and Treatments
As one of the most common food sensitivities, peanut allergies are a significant health concern for adults and children alike.
This is a serious food allergy that can trigger a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to life-threatening, especially if they’re not treated correctly.
That’s why it’s important to understand the signs of peanut allergies and know how to respond to exposure.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why peanut allergies develop, how they are diagnosed, and the essential treatment process required to prevent severe consequences.
How Does a Peanut Allergy Develop?
A peanut allergy develops when the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins found in peanuts as harmful substances.
This triggers an immune response that prompts the body to produce antibodies — called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) — to fight off the supposed threat.
When these antibodies are exposed to peanut proteins, they signal the immune system to release chemicals — like histamine — into the bloodstream.
This release of histamine causes symptoms of an allergic reaction.
A peanut allergy can be caused by various factors, including genetics, age, early exposure, and the presence of other food allergies.
Common peanut allergy symptoms
Individuals with this type of allergy typically start to display symptoms within a few minutes of eating peanuts. Symptoms may include:
- Hives
- Swelling in the face and tongue
- Tightness in the throat
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Decrease in blood pressure leading to lightheadedness and potential fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Itchy or tingling sensation in the mouth, lips, or throat
- Sense of anxiety
If you have a known peanut allergy or develop these symptoms after eating peanut-containing foods, seek immediate medical attention.
As mentioned above, peanut allergies can be life-threatening if left untreated.
How is a Peanut Allergy Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a peanut allergy is an essential part of managing and treating this condition effectively.
Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination and medical tests to confirm your diagnosis.
During the process, you can expect the following:
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Medical history evaluation and physical check-up: Initially, your doctor will review your symptoms, their severity, and timing, and inquire about your family's allergy history to assess the risk of a peanut allergy.
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Skin prick test: Next, your doctor may recommend a skin prick test. This is a common method for diagnosing allergies and involves pricking the skin and exposing it to an allergen. If itchy red bumps appear, it indicates a possible allergic reaction.
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Blood test: Your doctor may also recommend a blood test to measure your immune response to peanut proteins. In this test, a small allergen dose is injected, and blood is drawn to measure antibody levels. Elevated antibodies usually indicate a peanut allergy.
These tests must be conducted by a healthcare professional to manage the risk of a severe reaction, ensuring immediate intervention if needed.
Key Point: Can You Outgrow a Peanut Allergy?
Although a peanut allergy is usually a lifelong condition, some children diagnosed with it may have a small chance of outgrowing their sensitivity.
Factors such as the severity of the allergy and the levels of antibodies produced in response to the allergen usually have the biggest impact on whether it can be outgrown.
Schedule regular follow-ups with your child's healthcare provider for continuous allergy monitoring, which can help determine if the allergy has been outgrown.
What are the Treatment Options for Peanut Allergies?
Strictly avoiding potential allergens
Food allergies are different from other sensitivities because you generally can’t minimize your exposure to reduce the severity of symptoms.
Instead, the food you’re allergic to must be avoided at all costs. This requires:
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Examining food labels and learning how to identify products that contain peanuts or traces of this substance
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Informing friends, family, teachers, and any other person about the allergy to ensure they understand how to prevent exposure or respond to an allergic reaction
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Avoiding cross-contamination risks in kitchens, restaurants, and food processing facilities, and being prepared in case of an allergic reaction
The most effective treatment often involves avoiding the allergen, making it crucial to implement measures to prevent exposure.
Access to emergency medication
You should have access to emergency medication in case you accidentally come into contact with peanut protein.
This medication usually includes epinephrine auto-injectors, the typically first-line treatment for a severe allergic reaction.
Those with a peanut allergy should carry an epinephrine auto-injector — such as an EpiPen, Auvi-Q, or generic versions — at all times and know how to use it.
Once your severe symptoms have been treated, you can use antihistamines to relieve milder ones.
It’s important to note that antihistamines should not be used as a substitute for epinephrine as this medication isn’t aggressive enough to treat serious allergic reactions.
Step-by-step instructions for using an EpiPen
Using an EpiPen correctly during an allergic reaction can be a life-saving action. You can use an EpiPen even without medical training by following these steps:
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Remove the EpiPen from its protective case and remove the cap.
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Grip the EpiPen firmly with your dominant hand, forming a fist around it. Ensure that your thumb is not covering the end of the device to avoid accidental injection.
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With your other hand, remove the blue safety cap by pulling it straight off. This action prepares the device for use.
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The outer thigh is the recommended site for injection, as it absorbs the medication quickly. The EpiPen can be injected through clothing if necessary.
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Hold the EpiPen at a 90-degree angle to the thigh. With a swift motion, press the orange tip firmly against the thigh until you hear a click, indicating that the injection has started.
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Hold the EpiPen in place for 3 seconds to ensure the full dose of epinephrine is delivered.
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After 3 seconds, withdraw the EpiPen; slight bleeding may occur at the site, which can be dabbed with a tissue. The orange tip will extend to cover the needle, indicating that the device has been used.
After the EpiPen has been administered, it’s essential to call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital — even if your symptoms improve.
Seeking medical attention after an allergic reaction is important to determine if you need any further treatment.
You should also inform your healthcare provider that an EpiPen has been used.
Allergen immunotherapy
Allergen immunotherapy is an emerging treatment method that may be recommended for some individuals with peanut allergies.
This approach involves getting injected with or orally ingesting small amounts of peanut protein to help the body build a tolerance.
Over time, this can reduce the severity of reactions to accidental exposure. Currently, allergen immunotherapy isn’t aggressive enough to cure an allergy completely.
Delicious Peanut Alternatives
For individuals with a peanut allergy, finding an alternative can be a great way to keep enjoying your favorite dishes and snacks. Some common substitutions include:
- Tree nuts (if your peanut allergy doesn’t extend to these) like almonds, cashews, and walnuts
- Sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame seeds
- Soy nuts
- Pea protein, which can be found in protein powders, bars, and snacks
- Roasted chickpeas or lentils
When choosing alternatives for peanuts, remember to read the labels carefully.
Many products are processed in facilities that also handle peanuts, which increases the risk of cross-contamination.
Look for this warning on the ingredients list and, if the product has it, choose a different option.
Should You See a Doctor About a Peanut Allergy?
Seeing a doctor is essential if you suspect that you or your child has a peanut allergy. Food allergies are serious and can be life-threatening if you don’t treat them correctly.
Your doctor can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and personal treatment plan to help you manage your peanut allergy effectively. Cleared by LifeMD offers peanut allergy testing that you can do right from home. Understanding if you have a peanut allergy is crucial for ensuring access to emergency medication in case of accidental exposure.
Your doctor will prescribe these drugs and provide training on how to use them properly. It’s also important to see your doctor if you’ve never been diagnosed with an allergy before.
Peanut allergies may resemble other issues like different food allergies, intolerances, or immune diseases, that require expert care.
A healthcare provider can suggest diagnostic tests and offer advice on managing the condition.
Where Can You Learn More About Effective Allergy Management?
If you’re concerned about your symptoms or want to know more about treating peanut allergies, LifeMD is here to help.
LifeMD can connect you to a team of medical professionals who can assist you with information and provide guidance on managing your allergies effectively.
Make an appointment today to get started.
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