Does a Peanut Allergy Get Progressively Worse?
Each year, many adults and children in Atlanta experience their first allergic reaction after consuming peanuts. In many cases, these individuals cope with their uncomfortable symptoms without seeking an effective peanut allergy treatment plan. While food allergies may be mild, it can be incredibly risky to leave an allergy undiagnosed. But do peanut allergies get worse with each exposure?
Will a Mild Peanut Allergy Become More Severe?
It is commonly believed that each exposure to peanuts makes any subsequent allergic reaction increasingly worse. In reality, this belief is not completely accurate. As with all food allergies, how your immune system reacts is not entirely predictable. You could experience mild reactions for many years, and then suffer a severe reaction without any apparent reason. Conversely, a severe allergic reaction could be followed by a more moderate response.
It’s a fact that food allergies are incredibly unpredictable, and no allergy sufferer should become comfortable with a series of mild reactions. And what’s more, adults should also be cautious when it comes to food allergies. While children are more likely to suffer from allergies, an estimated 20% of adults with peanut allergies developed them after the age of 18.
Should I Be Concerned About a Peanut Allergy?
Without a clear understanding of how your immune system will respond, a peanut allergy is a dangerous condition. However, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. To begin, it is vital that you get allergy testing from an experienced allergist. Our food allergy treatment centers conduct skin prick, blood and oral challenge tests to precisely diagnose allergies. It is also important to avoid consuming peanuts until you have been advised otherwise by your allergist.
The threat of anaphylaxis is a concern for peanut allergy sufferers. In reality, small numbers will experience a severe reaction of this kind, but being prepared for the worst-case scenario is important. Your allergist may recommend carrying an epinephrine auto-injector to provide adrenaline where necessary.
How Can I Treat a Peanut Allergy?
Carrying adrenaline and avoiding allergens are important steps, but small traces of peanuts can be found in many products. To build a tolerance to the point where you can actually eat peanuts without risk, you would need to follow a course of oral immunotherapy treatment (OIT).
OIT requires an individual to consume gradually increasing amounts of peanuts over a period of around 6–12 months. This process builds tolerance, reducing the chances your immune system will react to any peanut proteins in your body. With ongoing maintenance, you can substantially limit the risk of peanuts to yourself or to your child.
We Can Help You Overcome a Peanut Allergy
Have you experienced a peanut allergy? For a precise diagnosis and effective treatment plan, we are here to help. Make an appointment in one of our food allergy treatment center locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call (678) 668-4688 or request help online.
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