Peanuts are the most cheapest source of dietary proteins. They are one of the most common allergenic foods. An estimated number of 1.5 millions of Americans suffer from peanut butter allergy. This allergy accounts for three fourths of all deaths due to food allergies every year.
Directly or indirectly, peanut butter is finding its way in different food products. The allergy for peanut butter can be life long and even its trace amounts can kill a sensitive person. Peanut allergies can be triggered in early childhood. Some people can outgrow this allergy and most can never outgrow peanut allergies. Some serious allergic symptoms of peanut butter can lead to anaphylaxis. Some important peanut butter allergies are described in this article.
Peanut Butter Allergy Symptoms
The immune system of the body becomes highly sensitive to the foreign protein and responds by producing immunoglobulin E antibodies. These antibodies get collect in some body parts such as intestines, lungs and skin. Thus, mostly the symptoms of peanut allergy are found in these areas of the body. These symptoms can appear within a few minutes of eating peanut butter or after a few hours. Some common symptoms of peanut butter allergy are as follows:
Intestinal Symptoms –
- Disturbed stomach and digestive tract
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Skin Symptoms –
The symptoms of eating peanut butter will appear first on the skin surface.
- Itchy and raised hives can be seen
- Eczema
Lung Symptoms –
A person having peanut allergy have the following symptoms similar to asthma –
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Breathing trouble
- Watery and itchy eyes
Anaphylaxis Symptoms –
People highly allergic to peanut butter can experience some intense symptoms. Severe response to peanut butter can make a sensitive person experience anaphylaxis, that can be very dangerous. Its symptoms can include the following:
- Sudden drop in blood pressure
- airway constriction
- Rapid pulse
- Breathlessness
- Dizziness
- Unconsciousness
When a person experiences an anaphylactic shock, immediately take the person to an emergency room where adrenaline can be administered. For mild symptoms, antihistamines can counter the allergic symptoms. For people with peanut butter allergy, it is better to avoid foods containing peanuts and their byproducts.
