What’s The Latest On Peanut Allergy?
Table of Contents
Overview
A peanut allergy is acquired by an individual during their lifetime and can be of two types:
- IgE mediated
- Non-IgE mediated
The incidence of the IgE-mediated type has been increasing since 2002. The non-IgE mediated type is characterized by the more common symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea rather than hives or anaphylaxis. Furthermore, this form is not linked to any other allergenic grains, such as wheat or milk. In contrast, the IgE type may exhibit rare but severe allergic reactions that are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention (FDA, 2020).
According to a Philadelphia-based ENT doctor here, children with a strong family history of peanut allergy have a greater risk of developing it themselves.
What Is Peanut Allergy?
Peanut allergy is a food allergy in which the body’s immune system reacts adversely to peanuts. This can lead to serious or life-threatening reactions, such as anaphylaxis. Most people with peanut allergies are not allergic to other legumes such as soybeans or chickpeas. Peanut allergy is the most common cause of food allergy among children. About 12 percent of U.S. children have this type of food allergy. Although it was previous thought that peanut allergy was lifelong, study has indicated up to 20 percent of patients with a peanut allergy eventually outgrow it.
According to FDA, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only licensed medication for peanut allergy as a food allergy (FDA, 2020). Currently, other therapeutic methods, such as peanut oral immunotherapy, are being employed to increase a person’s tolerance to the peanut protein. However, these methods are not FDA-approved.
Symptoms of a Peanut Allergy
The symptoms of a peanut allergy can vary, but usually, the most common are an itchy mouth, hives, and skin reactions. A doctor will prescribe oral antihistamines or steroids to alleviate the reaction and keep it under control.
People with a peanut allergy should avoid eating peanuts completely during this healing period. During this period, people with peanut allergies should avoid contact with others who may have eaten peanuts and stay away from places where people might be likely to consume peanuts (such as schools). Most allergic reactions can be treated effectively with medication like antihistamines if they are caught early enough.
New Development on Peanut Allergy Treatment.
Many people with peanut allergies have found relief by undergoing immunotherapy, a treatment that desensitizes the immune system and reduces the risk of potential allergic reactions. This treatment is only given to close family members; it poses a health risk for allergy sufferers who don’t have this familial connection (Henderson, 2021). Now, a group of researchers is looking to develop a safe and effective vaccine-based approach to the problem.
