Peanut Allergy
Dealing With a Peanut Allergy
A peanut allergy should not be confused with other nut allergies because peanuts are legumes not nuts. However peanut allergies are quite common by most estimates. Additionally, contact with peanuts for someone who is sensitive to this trigger can be very severe.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a peanut allergy include some or all of the following:
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling of the threat, lips, and face
• Skin rash
• Asthma
• Hives
If you experience these symptoms after coming in contact with peanuts or food that include peanuts, you should talk to your physician.
Diagnosis
Before you assume that you have a peanut allergy, you need to have that diagnosis made by a allergy specialist. This is usually done with a skin test in the specialist’s office. By having the diagnosis made by a professional, you can receive the appropriate treatment and can avoid things that trigger your symptoms.
Treatment
Antihistamines can be used to control mild symptoms caused by a peanut allergy. However, many people can suffer from anaphylaxis or a severe reaction to an allergen when they come in contact with peanuts. For this reason, your doctor may give you a prescription for epinephrine, a drug used to treat anaphylaxis which can be the difference life and death when it comes to a serious reaction.
Allergy Management
When you have a peanut allergy, you have to be on guard all the time. Peanuts and their dust can be found all over. Because you need to have epinephrine available for quick treatment for a severe reaction, you need to wear a medical wrist band to provide that important information to medical health workers.