As one of the leading causes of anaphylaxis, a peanut allergy can cause serious harm to an individual. And while peanut allergy treatments are available, anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe response that is often unexpected. Fortunately, peanut allergies will be milder for the vast majority of adults and children, but it’s important to seek guidance from an Atlanta allergy doctor at the first sign of allergy symptoms.
How Often Does a Peanut Allergy Cause Anaphylaxis?
Peanut allergies are one of the main causes of anaphylaxis, with only small amounts of peanuts needed to potentially cause a severe and life-threatening reaction. However, due to limited data, it’s difficult to determine the exact prevalence of severe reactions in adults and children in the United States.
Studies have shown that between 1.6% and 5.1% of the U.S. population have experienced an anaphylactic shock from allergies (of all types). A further study identified peanuts and tree nuts as being the allergens responsible for 27.6% of all allergic reactions leading to anaphylaxis. Global studies looking at Western nations found that around 2% of the population has a peanut allergy, and one-third to one-half of these people are likely to experience a non-fatal case of anaphylaxis.
Why Do Peanut Allergies Cause Anaphylaxis?
An allergic reaction to peanuts occurs when the immune system mistakenly perceives a threat from proteins in the food. The response of the immune system is to release chemicals to protect itself. This process causes the common symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Peanut allergy anaphylaxis is a severe response to the release of these chemicals, with the body going into shock. The pulse will become more rapid and as the airways are restricted, individuals may experience trouble breathing and are likely to faint.
It’s important to note that peanut allergies are common in adults and children. Therefore, anyone could experience anaphylaxis without warning. In addition, it only takes a trace amount of peanut protein to cause an allergic reaction. Fortunately, exposure to peanuts through smelling or inhaling dust or aerosols is unlikely to cause anaphylaxis.
What Treatments Can Prevent Anaphylaxis From Peanut Allergies?
The first priority for any individual with a peanut allergy is to get diagnosed by an experienced allergist. Your allergist will advise on dealing with peanut allergy anaphylaxis through the use of an epinephrine auto-injector such as an EpiPen®. If you want a long-term solution to a peanut allergy, oral immunotherapy treatment is currently one of the best methods for desensitizing the immune system to the presence of allergens.
Avoid Anaphylaxis From a Peanut Allergy With Reliable Treatments
If you are concerned about anaphylaxis caused by a peanut allergy, don’t hesitate to contact Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center. We can diagnose and treat peanut allergies in adults and children from locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. For assistance, call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.
Image Credit – Holiday.Photo.Top/Shutterstock.com