Hypersensitivity type may be- Type I Allergy
Immune reactions may be from- IgE
Reactions may occur in- Minutes
Peanuts are a common cause of serious allergic reactions and affects around 3% of children, where even the smallest trace amounts of the protein found in peanuts can lead to serious and life-threatening reactions.
Peanuts are not a Tree Nut (such as Cashews, Pistachios, etc), they are grown underground and are a part of the legume family which encompasses Soy beans, Pulses, Peas, Lentils, etc.
A Peanut Allergy is more likely to develop in children than adults, and peanut allergies are a prime focus in allergy awareness in schools due to its prevalence in children. Around 1 in 5 children may outgrow their peanut allergy by their teenage years, with the status of their peanut allergy being not longer present verified through testing by a qualified health care provider such as an allergist.
There are many foods that use peanuts and they can also be found in oils, cosmetics, shampoos and moisturisers (scroll below to see some common places it can be found in).
PEANUTS are one of the 10 most common food allergens in Australia, that all together account for 90% of food allergies in Australia.
SYMPTOMS
Some of the symptoms may be characterised by:
- Stomach Ache
- Vomiting
- Runny nose
- Indigestion
- Itchy eyes
- Diarrhea
- Wheezing
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Repetitive cough
- Tightness in throat, hoarse voice
- Weak pulse
- Pale skin
- Hives
- Swelling, can affect the tongue and/or lips
- Asthma aggravation
- ANAPHYLAXIS
The validity and severity of these symptoms are dependent on the individual and the level of exposure, as determined by a qualified health care provider.
TREATMENT
If you experience or are in the presence of someone that encounters an immediate serious reaction (this may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightening, swelling, collapse, etc), call or have someone call triple zero (000) immediately.
In the case of a minor allergic reaction, people may use Antihistamines along with other medications based on their individual symptoms and prescribed treatments.
For severe allergic reactions Epinephrine may be used, followed by seeking emergency medical attention. However, some people may not be able to use Epinephrine due to particular reasons.
It’s important for anyone with an Allergy, to discuss treatments with a qualified health care provider to understand how to manage individual allergies and also to set up an Allergy Action Plan in the case of a reaction.
Always present your Allergy Card, Medical Alert Bracelet or Necklace to ensure health care providers, family members, friends, colleagues and others are aware of your Allergy or Allergies.
TESTING
A skin prick test, blood test or food challenge may be used to test for a Peanut Allergy.
LABELLING
Some labels or terms you may come across on Peanut Allergy friendly products:
"Peanut Free" "No Peanuts"
RANDOM ALLERGY FACT
Kitty litter, logs, fire kindling, packing material, and even compost are made from Peanut shells.
WHERE YOU MAY COME ACROSS PEANUTS
The below is not a complete list, but just some of the places you may come across Peanuts:
- Glazes
- Baked goods
- Granola bars
- Energy bars
- Fruit bars
- Cake icing
- Candy
- Icing
- Cereals
- Oil
- Arachis oil
- Macaroons
- Chili con carne
- Marzipan
- Chinese foods
- Curries
- Nut Meat
- Nougat
- Chocolate bars
- Pastries
- Commercial desserts
- Peanut popcorn
- Cookies
- Potato chips
- Desserts
- Soup mixes
- Salad dressings
- Satay sauce
- Egg rolls
- Thai food
- Fried foods
- Vegetarian meat substitutes
- Fried snack foods
- Mixed nuts with peanuts
- Peanut oil
- Peanut butter
- Peanut sauce
- Peanut flour
- Peanut soup
- Peanutamide
- Peanut meal
- Sodium Peanutate
- Szechuan sauce
- Valencias
- Almond and hazelnut pastes
- Cosmetics
- Shampoos
- Moisturisers
The information provided on Allergy Life Australia is to generally educate and inform you about living with allergies, intolerances and conditions, and is not intended as medical instruction or as a substitute for diagnosis, examination and advice by a qualified health care provider.
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ARE THERE ANY OTHER PLACES YOU HAVE COME ACROSS PEANUTS? HAVE YOU HAD AN EXPERIENCE WITH A PEANUT ALLERGY OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT HAS? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW
Hi Tim,
Thank you for your comment. A potential risk exists, especially regarding potential skin-contact reactions. People with Peanut Allergies can be made aware through clear signage and to have the peanut hull/shell compost sealed in a protective layer.
Is there any evidence if peanut hull/shell compost is an allergen in any way? I would for a retail hardware store where we sell it and i dont want to put a member of the public at risk by putting it on display in the center of the store. Thanks
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