How to Avoid Peanut Allergy Symptoms

Peanuts are among the most highly allergenic plant food item, and those who are allergic to them will do well to make sure that every food they eat does not contain any peanuts. The allergen is cited to be the protein content, about 28% of each peanut, which triggers the allergic response in individuals who are allergic to peanuts. This is why many chocolate manufacturers make it a point to mention if the product was processed on machines that also process peanuts, because even the slightest trace of peanut oil can trigger allergy symptoms that are not only a nuisance, but can be fatal.

If you have a family member allergic to peanuts, you need to be familiar with peanut allergy symptoms so that appropriate action may be taken should an allergic reaction arise from an unknown food product. After all, what is difficult about peanuts is that they are usually cooked pounded into very small pieces that they can go undetected to the naked eye. Also, allergic reactions can be triggered simply by inhalation, not necessarily ingestion. You may suddenly wonder why your allergic sister is breaking out in hives while at a party. Among the symptoms you can watch for are hives, warmth, itchy nose, eyes, mouth, or throat, generalized flushing, or nasal congestion. Other more indirect symptoms include a stomachache, coughing, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and tightness in the chest or difficulty in breathing.

The scary thing about peanut allergy is that these allergic responses occur very rapidly, and can sometimes result in a fatal attack. An estimated 100 Americans die every year due to peanut allergies. Once you understand the gravity of this kind of allergy, you will be wise to help your allergic family member, for example, a sister, in any way you can. You can do this by making sure, as much as possible, that every food you prepare or bring home does not contain peanuts, or even peanut butter. It will be wise to develop the habit of reading food package labels, as well as some shampoos or creams. If unsure, it would be better to be safe rather than sorry.

In addition, should there be any way that peanuts made it into the allergic person’s food, be sure to have antihistamines ready in the medicine cabinet, and possibly in your handbag when traveling or even when going out for a quick meal. This would save precious minutes if your family member suddenly gets an allergic attack while you are at a restaurant or attending a get-together hosted by friends. If the allergen was significant, you will only get a few seconds before she would have trouble breathing, and you can get the medication into her before the allergy reaction gets any worse. You also need to have emergency numbers ready on your cellular phone just in case you need to call an ambulance. You may also make it a point to suggest the person to wear a medic bracelet, in order to help her if ever she gets an attack in the presence of other people who do not know about her allergy. The bracelet or nametag will describe the condition and allow other people to help her in the way that she needs.

Once you understand how important it is to avoid triggering peanut allergy symptoms, you will find it easier to make it part of your daily routine to think about the allergic person’s needs. This will mean a routine check of all food you buy at the grocery, an automatic queries-list for the restaurant you are making reservations at, or even a quick note to the friend hosting next Friday’s dinner.