Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWho’s At Risk?SymptomsTreatment When MildCausesDiagnosisPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Who’s At Risk?
Symptoms
Treatment When Mild
Causes
Diagnosis
Prevention
Peanut allergies are a major cause of severe symptoms in children and adults. Even a tiny amount of peanut protein can set off a severe reaction in allergic individuals.
The prevalence of peanut allergies has tripled over the last two decades, with as many as 2.5% of children having a confirmed peanut allergy.Even if you or your child experiences only mild symptoms after eating peanuts, it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
This article discusses everything you need to know about peanut allergies, including causes, symptoms, and prevention.
Corey Jenkins/ Getty Images
Who’s at Risk of Peanut Allergy Symptoms and Why?
Children with anegg allergy, moderate-to-severeatopic dermatitis(eczema), and/or an immediate family member with a peanut allergy are at the highest risk for developing a peanut allergy. Those with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis and no existing food allergies are at moderate risk.
This is because atopic dermatitis causes cracks in the skin barrier, allowing bacteria andallergensto penetrate the skin. When cracked skin comes into contact with peanuts or other allergens, its immune cells may overreact, triggering an allergic reaction.
Some children go on to developasthmaorallergic rhinitis. The progression from atopic dermatitis to later developing food allergies, asthma, and allergic rhinitis is called the allergic march.
When Do Peanut Allergies Start?
Peanut allergies generally start in childhood. However, they can develop at any time. One study found that 1 in 6 adults with a peanut allergy experienced their first reaction in adulthood, suggesting that more adults are developing peanut allergies than previously believed.
In adults, peanut allergies are more common among:
Unlike milk or egg allergies, which children often grow out of, peanut allergies are usually lifelong. Only 20% of children will outgrow their peanut allergy over time.
Common Peanut Allergy Symptoms
Peanutallergy symptomsgenerally occur within minutes but may take up to two hours to develop. In rare cases, the reaction may be delayed as long as six hours.
Reactions vary and can range from mild to severe. A person may not always experience the same response. Even if peanuts usually cause only mild reactions, they can potentially lead to more severe symptoms in the future.
Mild Signs
Mild reactions typically only affect one part of your body and may include:
Compared to other food allergies, peanut allergies are more likely to result in severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis due to accidental exposure.
Severe, Life-Threatening Reactions
Severe reactions can quickly progress to a severe, life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms ofanaphylaxisoften involve multiple body systems at the same time, which can include:
Severe reactions should be treated immediately with anepinephrineinjection, best administered with anautoinjector.
When to Seek Emergency Care
What to Do for a Mild Reaction
If you are experiencing a few hives, sneezing, mild itching, or nausea after consuming peanuts, your healthcare provider may prescribe or recommend over-the-counter (OTC)antihistaminessuch as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine).
Antihistamines block or reduce chemicals your body releases when you encounter an allergen. However, antihistamines will not treat a severe reaction or anaphylaxis and should never be used instead of epinephrine.
What Causes a Peanut Allergy?
Peanut allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in peanuts as harmful, triggeringhistaminerelease.
The most common cause of peanut allergy symptoms is eating peanuts or foods that contain peanuts. However, exposure to peanuts can also occur in other ways, including:
How Are Peanut Allergies Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a peanut allergy can be challenging because symptoms vary from person to person. If you suspect you have a peanut allergy, it’s important to contact anallergist, who will typically ask about your personal and family histories and may order a skin or blood test.
The allergist may also recommend anoral food challenge, in which you will be fed tiny amounts of peanut or peanut products under medical supervision in progressively increasing amounts.
At-Home Food Allergy TestsMost at-home foodallergy test kitsmeasure immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody levels in your blood to identify a potential food allergy. Experts don’t recommend them as they may not provide accurate results and may be challenging to interpret.If you try an at-home allergy test, review your results with a healthcare provider to receive an official peanut allergy diagnosis.
At-Home Food Allergy Tests
Most at-home foodallergy test kitsmeasure immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody levels in your blood to identify a potential food allergy. Experts don’t recommend them as they may not provide accurate results and may be challenging to interpret.If you try an at-home allergy test, review your results with a healthcare provider to receive an official peanut allergy diagnosis.
How Can I Prevent Reactions?
The best way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid peanuts and products containing peanuts. Peanuts and peanut products are found in many foods, including baked goods, cereals, candies, and pies.
The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act requires major allergens, including peanuts, to be declared at least once on food ingredient labels.
When eating out, ask restaurant staff about the ingredients used to prepare meals. Avoid eating Asian and Mexican cuisine, in which peanuts are frequently used.
It’s also important to be mindful when consuming foods that contain tree nuts, like walnuts, almonds, and pecans, as 30% of individuals with peanut allergies are also allergic totree nuts.
Oral Immunotherapy for Peanut AllergiesThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvedPalforzia, a peanut protein powder used to treat peanut allergies in children ages 1 to 17. It slowly introduces a child to peanuts, so their immune system is less likely to react if peanut products are accidentally ingested. Even with this medication, peanuts should be avoided, and epinephrine should always be available.
Oral Immunotherapy for Peanut Allergies
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvedPalforzia, a peanut protein powder used to treat peanut allergies in children ages 1 to 17. It slowly introduces a child to peanuts, so their immune system is less likely to react if peanut products are accidentally ingested. Even with this medication, peanuts should be avoided, and epinephrine should always be available.
Summary
Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, including runny nose, hives, facial swelling, and anaphylaxis in rare cases. Most peanut allergies start in the first few years of life, but it’s also possible for adults to become allergic to peanuts. If you suspect you have a peanut allergy, contact an allergist who can perform testing to confirm whether you are allergic to peanuts.
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy facts.American Journal of Managed Care.The economic impact of peanut allergies.Thomas NM.Racial and ethnic data reported for peanut allergy epidemiology do little to advance its cause, teatment, or prevention.Front Public Health. 2021;9:685240. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2021.685240Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.The allergic or atopic march.Hill DA, Spergel JM.The atopic march: Critical evidence and clinical relevance [published correction appears in Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;120(2):131-137. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2017.10.037Warren C, Lei D, Sicherer S, Schleimer R, Gupta R.Prevalence and characteristics of peanut allergy in US adults.Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2021;147(6):2263-2270.e5. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2020.11.046Food Allergy Research & Education.What is peanut allergy?American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food allergy.Food Allergy Research & Education.Recognizing and treating reaction symptoms.Lieberman JA, Gupta RS, Knibb RC, et al.The global burden of illness of peanut allergy: A comprehensive literature review.Allergy. 2021;76(5):1367-1384. doi:10.1111/all.14666American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.Sheehan WJ, Taylor SL, Phipatanakul W, Brough HA.Environmental food exposure: What is the risk of clinical reactivity from cross-contact and what is the risk of sensitization.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2018;6(6):1825-1832. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2018.08.001Food Allergy Research & Education.Avoiding cross-contact.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Peanut allergy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.All about allergy testing.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Have food allergies? Read the label.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Everything you need to know about a tree nut allergy.Food and Drug Administration.Palforzia label.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves first drug for treatment of peanut allergy for children.
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy facts.American Journal of Managed Care.The economic impact of peanut allergies.Thomas NM.Racial and ethnic data reported for peanut allergy epidemiology do little to advance its cause, teatment, or prevention.Front Public Health. 2021;9:685240. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2021.685240Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.The allergic or atopic march.Hill DA, Spergel JM.The atopic march: Critical evidence and clinical relevance [published correction appears in Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;120(2):131-137. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2017.10.037Warren C, Lei D, Sicherer S, Schleimer R, Gupta R.Prevalence and characteristics of peanut allergy in US adults.Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2021;147(6):2263-2270.e5. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2020.11.046Food Allergy Research & Education.What is peanut allergy?American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food allergy.Food Allergy Research & Education.Recognizing and treating reaction symptoms.Lieberman JA, Gupta RS, Knibb RC, et al.The global burden of illness of peanut allergy: A comprehensive literature review.Allergy. 2021;76(5):1367-1384. doi:10.1111/all.14666American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.Sheehan WJ, Taylor SL, Phipatanakul W, Brough HA.Environmental food exposure: What is the risk of clinical reactivity from cross-contact and what is the risk of sensitization.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2018;6(6):1825-1832. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2018.08.001Food Allergy Research & Education.Avoiding cross-contact.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Peanut allergy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.All about allergy testing.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Have food allergies? Read the label.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Everything you need to know about a tree nut allergy.Food and Drug Administration.Palforzia label.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves first drug for treatment of peanut allergy for children.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy facts.American Journal of Managed Care.The economic impact of peanut allergies.Thomas NM.Racial and ethnic data reported for peanut allergy epidemiology do little to advance its cause, teatment, or prevention.Front Public Health. 2021;9:685240. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2021.685240Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.The allergic or atopic march.Hill DA, Spergel JM.The atopic march: Critical evidence and clinical relevance [published correction appears in Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;120(2):131-137. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2017.10.037Warren C, Lei D, Sicherer S, Schleimer R, Gupta R.Prevalence and characteristics of peanut allergy in US adults.Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2021;147(6):2263-2270.e5. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2020.11.046Food Allergy Research & Education.What is peanut allergy?American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food allergy.Food Allergy Research & Education.Recognizing and treating reaction symptoms.Lieberman JA, Gupta RS, Knibb RC, et al.The global burden of illness of peanut allergy: A comprehensive literature review.Allergy. 2021;76(5):1367-1384. doi:10.1111/all.14666American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.Sheehan WJ, Taylor SL, Phipatanakul W, Brough HA.Environmental food exposure: What is the risk of clinical reactivity from cross-contact and what is the risk of sensitization.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2018;6(6):1825-1832. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2018.08.001Food Allergy Research & Education.Avoiding cross-contact.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Peanut allergy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.All about allergy testing.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Have food allergies? Read the label.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Everything you need to know about a tree nut allergy.Food and Drug Administration.Palforzia label.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves first drug for treatment of peanut allergy for children.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy facts.
American Journal of Managed Care.The economic impact of peanut allergies.
Thomas NM.Racial and ethnic data reported for peanut allergy epidemiology do little to advance its cause, teatment, or prevention.Front Public Health. 2021;9:685240. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2021.685240
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.The allergic or atopic march.
Hill DA, Spergel JM.The atopic march: Critical evidence and clinical relevance [published correction appears in Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;120(2):131-137. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2017.10.037
Warren C, Lei D, Sicherer S, Schleimer R, Gupta R.Prevalence and characteristics of peanut allergy in US adults.Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2021;147(6):2263-2270.e5. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2020.11.046
Food Allergy Research & Education.What is peanut allergy?
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food allergy.
Food Allergy Research & Education.Recognizing and treating reaction symptoms.
Lieberman JA, Gupta RS, Knibb RC, et al.The global burden of illness of peanut allergy: A comprehensive literature review.Allergy. 2021;76(5):1367-1384. doi:10.1111/all.14666
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
Sheehan WJ, Taylor SL, Phipatanakul W, Brough HA.Environmental food exposure: What is the risk of clinical reactivity from cross-contact and what is the risk of sensitization.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2018;6(6):1825-1832. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2018.08.001
Food Allergy Research & Education.Avoiding cross-contact.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Peanut allergy.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.All about allergy testing.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Have food allergies? Read the label.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Everything you need to know about a tree nut allergy.
Food and Drug Administration.Palforzia label.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves first drug for treatment of peanut allergy for children.
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