The reason behind the exponential increase in the rate of peanut allergies in the United States and other westernized countries is not clear, yet this is the topic of great concern.
Risk factors for peanut allergies incorporate –
- Family or personal history of some kind of allergic conditions, for example, asthma, eczema and hay fever, may increase the chances of peanut allergies.
- If a child is suffering from a peanut allergy. The chances of his/her sibling having the same, increases by approximately 7%, as compared to the baseline population risk of 1%-2%.
- Things which can increase the chances of you being prone to peanut allergy are:
- Exposure to household dust.
- Consumption of peanuts during pregnancy and lactation.
- Using skin care products containing peanut oil.
There is an active research going on as to when is the right time to include peanut in your child’s diet. Recommendations according to the research done in the early 2000 state that parents should avoid peanut exposure to their children during early age.
Following, these recommendations almost doubled the rates of peanut allergies. Thus, a fresh research was started in the year 2008. The research revoked the delayed introduction theory. The research was directed towards the early introduction of peanut as a preventive measure against food allergy. And finally, a recent LEAP study recommended, introducing peanut to your child at an early age, would significantly bring down the risk of peanut allergy among a high-risk population.
Majorly, the allergic reaction to peanut exposure occurs from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Consult your immunologist or physician, in case of a severe allergic reaction.
Which include the following types and body systems –
- Skin reactions – Account for almost 80-90% of the reactions. The allergic reactions include – redness, rash and/or itching.
- Respiratory system – coughing, breathing difficulty and wheezing.
- Cardiovascular system – decreases blood pressure and increase heart rate.
- Gastrointestinal system – vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea
- Neurological system – mild to a severe headache or death.
Consult a doctor for immunotherapy that will help you with the treatment of peanut allergy, remember that this type of allergies does not have a cure, other than to avoid consuming peanuts or peanut oil.
Written by: Dr. H. Kaur
Edited by: S.Ray