Peanut allergy is a very common and even potentially fatal food allergies. It is an immune system response to the peanut protein, causing the release of histamine chemicals. Recent studies show that over the last five to ten years there has been an increase in peanut allergies, mainly in children.

No definite answers are readily available, but one theory is that children are exposed to peanuts too early. Another well based reason is that our immune systems are not as functional as before, seeing that we live in a much cleaner environment and we aren’t exposed to as bacteria (which can help make your immune system more tough).

Peanut allergy symptoms have various effects on the body. These include hives, itchy red skin, congested runny nose, pain in stomach, nausea, swelling of airways, and shock (blood pressure drops). In serious cases, there will be large blockage of airways, resulting in possible death. Some allergies have been known to be outgrown, but this rarely happens with peanuts. No matter how minor an allergic reaction, you always want to be on the lookout, larger and more serious reactions are quite possible.

The only thing that can be done is prevention. Avoid use of peanut based substances and products. This means no peanut butter, roasted peanuts, salted peanuts, peanuts in candy, or any other peanut based product.

With people who known they may have severe allergic reactions, they should always carry a self-injectable form of adrenaline that could become their lifeline during an allergic attack. Like with all allergic reactions, they must be carefully dealt with care and be foreseen in the future.

Source: Peanut Information and Uses