Peanut allergy - the facts

Allergy is a word we use to describe a particular group of unpleasant and potentially dangerous symptoms which people get from substances.

What's a peanut allergy?

Some people are allergic to certain proteins that are found in peanuts. These proteins aren't destroyed by cooking so fresh, cooked and roasted peanuts can cause an allergic reaction

A peanut allergy occurs if a person develops allergic antibodies that are specific to peanuts. If this person is then exposed to peanuts, the peanut reacts with the person's antibodies to cause an allergic reaction.

Who develops peanut allergy?

Virtually anyone can develop a peanut allergy, but it's more common in people with other allergic conditions, such as asthma, eczema or hay fever - or who have a family history. Atopic allergies are conditions that are inherited, and the majority of children and adults with a peanut allergy are allergic to other nuts, such as walnuts, cashews and pistachios.

What are the symptoms of peanut allergy?

You can react to peanuts in a variety of different ways, and symptoms vary from person to person.

Most people will have a skin reaction, such as hives, itching, swelling or a flare-up of eczema. Other mild reactions include tingling of the lips, swelling of the tongue, an upset stomach, diarrhoea or sickness.

More serious reactions may include respiratory symptoms including swelling affecting the airway, wheezing and shortness of breath. Reactions can also affect the cardiovascular system resulting in a drop in blood pressure and collapse (anaphylaxis).

How common is peanut allergy?

Current research estimates that one in every two hundred people may be allergic to nuts. About one in every hundred may be sensitised, meaning that they have produced antibodies to nuts meaning they don't have an allergic reaction.

How do you treat peanut allergy?

There is no known cure for peanut allergy, because it's not possible to desensitise children who have a peanut allergy.

Treatment for a peanut allergy will depend on the symptoms. If you or someone you're with has an allergic reaction to peanut, it's crucial that you seek medical attention immediately. Treatment options often include:

Adrenaline - used to treat severe allergic reactions. Administered by injection, and will usually alleviate symptoms quickly.

Antihistamines - can be taken orally or by injection to treat milder symptoms.

Steroids - oral steroids may be prescribed after severe allergic reaction to prevent the reoccurrence of any symptoms

How to prevent a reaction

Avoid peanuts and foods containing peanuts altogether. Check the ingredients lists of everything you eat. If you're eating out, make enquiries and always ask if any of the food being prepared contains nuts or has come in contact with nuts. If in doubt, don't risk it.

Thankfully, the food industry has started labelling foods as 'not suitable for nut allergy sufferers', which helps minimise the risk of a reaction.

If you're allergic to peanuts, it's important that you let people know. If you have children who are allergic to peanuts, you should inform their schools or nurseries - so they can plan any food and activities that take this into account.