What is a peanut allergy ?
Peanut allergy is a particularly severe form of allergy. Since peanuts carry many allergens (allergenic substances), their allergenic potential is particularly high, which is why many people are allergic to peanuts and the allergic reaction is particularly impressive. The allergic reaction is an immediate type of reaction, where the allergy occurs immediately after contact with the allergen. The peanuts are usually ingested through the mouth, which is why the allergy is particularly pronounced in the mouth and throat area. Especially with peanuts, a strong reaction to already minimal amounts is particularly common.
Causes
The cause of an allergy is basically an excessive reaction of the immune system to substances foreign to the body. At the first contact of the body with the allergen antibodies are formed, this is called sensitization. At the second contact with the substance, the body immediately recognizes it and begins an excessive immune response.
In the case of peanut allergy, the body reacts to various allergens that are found on the surface and in the peanut. Why some people develop such pronounced allergies is not yet fully understood. However, it is certain that there is a genetic component in the development of allergies.
Cross Allergy
A cross-allergy is an increased immune reaction of the body to a certain type of foreign substances. The immune system reacts to several allergens that are particularly similar. The immune cells that are directed against a certain allergen also recognize other substances because they are very similar in their chemical form. Cross allergies with peanuts are often found with birch, including other foods such as apple/pear/cherry but also almond and hazelnut. Less common are banana/mango/orange, avocado/tomato and parsley/basil.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of peanut allergy can be made in two different ways. Purely symptomatic, the allergy can be diagnosed by a provocation attempt. In this test, the affected person eats peanuts and waits to see if an allergic reaction occurs.
Since this provocation test can be dangerous due to the strong reaction to peanuts, a so-called prick test is often performed. A minimal dose of the allergens (allergenic substances) is injected into the skin on the forearm. Then you wait and see whether the body reacts to this substance. The reaction is shown in the form of redness, swelling and itching at the injection site.