Food-induced allergies can be painful and frightening to experience. A peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies and can lead to intense reactions within the body.
Peanut allergy symptoms not only arise if a patient consumes a peanut, but they can appear after exposure to foods that contain:
- Peanut butter
- Peanut flour, meal, or powder
- Peanut oil
Some patients must ingest the peanut-based substance for symptoms to appear, while others experience peanut allergy symptoms by being in the same room as the ingredient. Some significant allergy symptoms to look out for include:
1. Hives and Other Skin Reactions
When the immune system is under attack, it will often lead to symptoms with the skin, mainly hive development. It can also cause skin inflammation, resulting in redness and swelling all over the body.
If a patient is allergic to peanuts, exposure could cause their skin to react in negative, painful ways.
2. Digestion Issues
Certain patients with peanut allergies will experience complications when trying to digest their food after consuming peanuts or peanut-based ingredients. Signs of digestion issues include:
- Stomach cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
3. Tingling, Itching, or Closing Throat
A peanut allergy can lead to complications in the mouth after exposure to peanuts. The tongue and throat can tingle, itch, or swell. Not only are these symptoms uncomfortable, but they can also lead to breathing trouble as the patient’s airways tighten and narrow.
4. Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is the most dangerous symptom of all for a patient with a peanut allergy. It is a life-threatening reaction that causes the body to go into shock and requires immediate medical attention.
Signs of anaphylaxis include:
- Severe airway constriction
- High and rapid pulse
- Dizziness, fainting, and loss of consciousness
- Significant drop in blood pressure
If someone has entered anaphylaxis for any reason, seek emergency medical help immediately.