Peanut allergies Disease
Peanut allergies are one of the most common types of allergies. In general, allergies are abnormalities in the body's defense system or immune system. This condition is characterized by the immune system's hypersensitivity to the inclusion of outside substances that do not harm the body.
Beans are a good source of protein. However, in those with peanut allergy complaints, the proteins in the nuts are considered as foreign objects that harm the body. That is why the immune system will then give an excessive reaction to the nuts.
However, not all types of nuts cause allergies. Various types of nuts, such as peanuts, cashews, Almon nuts, and so on; Can be disagreed differently by the immune system.
Unlike allergies in other protein substances (e.g. egg white allergies or cow milk allergies) that can gradually disappear as an adult, generally, peanut allergies occur for life.
Causes of peanut allergies
Peanut allergies occur because one type of body immune system called immunoglobulin E (IgE) reacts excessively to the proteins contained in the nuts. When the substance enters the body, IgE will release a substance named histamine that causes various allergic symptoms.
It is not yet known the cause of this. But it is known that people who have a history of allergies in the family and those who suffer from asthma are more susceptible to peanut allergies.
Diagnosis of peanut Allergies
To determine the presence of peanut allergies, at the initial examination, the doctor will conduct a complete and thorough medical interview, especially on the type of beans consumed, how much is eaten, and since when the allergic symptoms occur. The doctor will also perform a physical examination to see the allergic symptoms occurring.
Further inspection will be required to ensure peanut allergies. Unfortunately, ensuring the presence of peanut allergies from blood screening or skin screening is quite difficult. It sometimes even shows negative results.
The most frequent check is to do the elimination of food. Patients are required to not eat any peanut-containing food for two to four weeks. After that, it will be assessed the improvements of the symptoms. If after a peanut elimination allergy symptoms improved, then it is certain that the patient is indeed experiencing peanut allergies.
Another way that can be done is to do a food challenge test. In this examination, the patient will be given a nut in small doses. Then the doctor will observe to see whether there are any allergic symptoms.
Symptoms of peanut allergies
The symptoms of peanut allergies vary greatly. The most severe and dangerous symptoms are called with anaphylactic reactions. The condition is characterized by impaired breathing and blood circulation.
Visible symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the lips, around the eyes, and throat
- Blood pressure drops suddenly, can then until not measured
- Skin looks pale
- Faint
- In addition to anaphylaxis, peanut allergies can also cause lighter symptoms such, numbness around the mouth and lips, vomiting nausea, coughing without obvious causes, nasal congestion or colds
Peanut Allergies Treatment
The main treatment of peanut allergies is to not consume nuts and food containing nuts altogether. But if inadvertently consume foods that contain nuts and allergy symptoms, it is necessary to treat allergic symptoms such as antihistamines and steroids.
If the allergic symptoms are relatively severe, such as anaphylaxis, the main treatment that should be given immediately is the injections of adrenaline and handling in hospitals. If it is delayed, anaphylactic reactions may cause allergic sufferers to death.
Prevention of peanut allergies
To prevent peanut allergies, it is best to not consume nuts. Depending on the severity of the allergy, those with a very heavy reaction are advised not to consume foods containing nuts at all.