Peanut allergy, a type of external hypersensitivity, is an abnormal immune response to peanut. In this type of reaction, the immune system is inappropriately triggered by an allergen, which is a food protein or a non-amino acid portion of a protein, such as carbohydrate.
Allergy to peanut usually is lifelong and the allergic symptoms happen throughout the body, from the minor symptoms such as itching tongue or abdominal pain to major systematic reactions or anaphylaxis.
Peanut allergy is the most common cause of food-induced anaphylaxis, a medical emergency which characterized by life-threatening upper airway obstruction, bronchospasm and/or hypotension.
Anaphylaxis is uncommon but not rare, it signs and symptoms can include:
*Constriction of airways
*Inflammation of the throat that makes it difficult to breathe
*Hypotension or a severe drop in blood pressure
*Rapid pulse
*Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness
In peanut-induced anaphylaxis IgE reacts with peanut allergens to release messengers such as histamine.
Peanut Allergy: A Common Cause Of Anaphylaxis
