Do I Have Peanut Allergy?

Do your symptoms occur within minutes after exposure to peanuts?

Do you have hives, redness or swelling on your skin?

Do you have itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat?

Do you have swelling of your tongue or lips?

Do you have digestive problems, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting?

Do you have tightness in throat or a hoarse voice?

Do you have repetitive cough?

Do you have shortness of breath or difficulty breathing?

Do you have wheezing?

Do you have pale or blue coloring of the skin?

Do you have a weak pulse, dizziness or confusion?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a peanut allergy. Peanuts are a common cause of food allergies in both children and adults. Peanut allergy usually develops during childhood, but can sometimes occur later in life. Peanut allergy tends to be a life-long condition. Just about 20 % of children may outgrow their allergy. Peanut allergy develops when the immune system mistaken peanut proteins for something that can damage your organism. The immune system overacts and releases histamine into the bloodstream, which leads to an allergic reaction. The majority of allergic reactions to peanuts occur within 20 minutes of exposure.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a peanut allergy. Peanut allergy is a common food allergy that can often result in serious allergic attacks. People with other types of allergies and a family history of allergic conditions are more prone to peanut allergy. You can be exposed to peanut in three ways: directly - when you eat peanut or peanut-containing food, in cross-contact - when you eat food that has been exposed to peanut during processing, and by inhaling peanut-containing dust (e.g. peanut flour). Diagnosing is based on your symptoms, diet history, physical examination, skin tests and blood tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a peanut allergy. Peanut allergy is a relatively common type of allergy and is the leading cause of a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, in the United States. People who are allergic to peanuts must avoid them completely, which can sometimes be difficult, because peanuts are a common food ingredient. As with any allergy, treatment involves avoiding the allergen, recognizing the signs of allergy and responding promptly. People with severe allergies must get an emergency injection of epinephrine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have approved the oral immunotherapy drug for the peanut allergy.