People's allergic reactions sometimes depend on how they are exposed to the peanut allergy. Exposure to peanuts can occur in three ways:

Direct contact.

This is an obvious one, but it is also the most common cause of peanut allergies. Direct contact with peanuts does not necessarily just mean touching them, it means exposure via all routes of contact - usually through eating peanuts, but including kissing or touching someone who's been in direct contact with peanuts. So you have to be careful if you have a peanut allergy that you do not have hidden direct contact.

This is the unintended introduction of peanuts into a product. For example, a company that produces products with peanuts, and products without, might mill or assemble the products on the same conveyor belt, or use the same mixers, etc. It's generally the result of exposure to peanuts during processing or handling of a food product, and can be very minor, but is still a risk. This is why you see on labels things like "packaged near peanuts". It is to warn people with severe peanut allergies of the chance of cross-contact.

Inhalation.

This is the third way to contact peanuts, and can be caused by breathing in dust or air with peanuts in it. For example, peanut cooking oil in a spray can (like a no-stick spray) might be inhaled. Or, the peanut dust or flour can get in the air, and the allergen can be breathed in.

If you have a peanut allergy, the best way to avoid the symptom sis to avoid peanuts, but peanuts are in several foods, or have had cross-contact with several foods. The following are some of the common food products that can trigger peanut allergy symptoms:

Fairly obvious sources:

• Peanut butter


• Peanut flour


• Ground or mixed nuts


• Baked goods, such as cookies and pastries


• Ice cream and frozen desserts


• Energy bars


• Salad dressing


• Cereals and granola


• Grain breads


• Marzipan


• Nougat

No so obvious sources:

• Many oils, including arachis oil. In fact, this is another name for peanut oil. Pure peanut oil usually doesn't trigger allergic reactions because peanut proteins are usually removed during processing. However, peanut oil can become contaminated with peanut proteins.


• Artificial tree nuts. Sometimes these are just peanuts that have been flavored to taste like other nuts.


• Chocolate candies. Some chocolate candies are produced on equipment that is also used for processing peanuts or peanut-containing foods.


• Many Ethnic foods, like Chinese, Indonesian, African, Mexican, Thai, etc. have peanuts in their dishes, or if you are eating at a restaurant, will have a high likelihood of being exposed to peanuts during preparation.


• Nut butters are often produced on the same equipment as peanut butter, so you would be risking cross-contact.

Basically you just want to watch for the possibility of a cross-contact. For example, if a company makes their own ice-cream, you want to see if any of those have peanuts or peanut butter in them, because it is probably made on the same machine as the one with peanuts. The same holds true for bakeries, if they have peanuts or peanut butter in something, there is a good chance of cross contact because mixers, kneading surfaces, etc. are all shared.

So, what are the signs and symptoms of a peanut allergy?

Signs and symptoms vary from person to person, and by how exposure occurred. For example, inhaling peanut protein might lead to symptoms in the respiratory tract, whereas eating it might mean symptoms in the digestion tract.

Of course, there is also a difference between peanut allergy and peanut intolerance, and the symptoms will manifest differently. Sometimes it can be difficult to know whether you are allergic or intolerant to peanuts, but you can see an allergist to figure it out. However, the basics are that if you have peanut intolerance, your symptoms are mild, and you can usually eat small amounts of peanuts with little reaction. It does not involve your immune system, rather your digestion only. So, you might experience indigestion or heartburn, or no reaction at all. An allergy on the other hand is an immune response, so even a little bit of peanuts will trigger a reaction. Reactions to the peanut protein may include itching, redness, swelling, shortness of breath, wheezing, nausea, abdominal pain, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness (anaphylaxis).The chemicals in peanuts can cause hives to develop on the areas of your skin that have come in contact with peanuts or traces of peanuts. Hives may spread to the rest of your body.

A severe reaction to peanuts is called an anaphylactic reaction, and the symptoms include:

• Wheezing
• Rapid or weak pulse
• Blueness of your skin, including your lips and nail beds
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Loss of consciousness

Anaphylactic responses are dangerous, and can be fatal if not treated quickly, so it is wise to talk to your allergist about the possibility, and have them teach you what you can do. You may need to carry an epinephrine shot with you, wear an alert bracelet, etc. If you have anaphylactic responses seek medical attention right away. An anaphylactic reaction can develop immediately after peanut exposure, causing the airways (bronchi) to constrict, making breathing difficult. Blood pressure may drop to life-threateningly low levels, making you feel dizzy or lose consciousness

How fast do you react when you are allergic to peanuts only mildly or moderately?

Allergic reactions to peanuts usually occur within minutes after exposure, although reactions within an hour or so after ingestion are possible as well depending on how long it takes your body to digest the peanuts. Signs and symptoms can range in severity depending on which body systems are involved in a reaction and how much peanut protein you've been exposed to. It would be best to discuss this with an allergist who is familiar with the level of severity of your reaction to peanuts.

What are the treatment options if you are allergic to peanuts?

Medications, such as antihistamines, will treat and reduce symptoms of peanut allergies. These drugs can be taken after exposure to peanuts to control your reaction and help relieve discomfort. However, there is no cure for peanut allergies, and the only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid peanuts and peanut proteins altogether.

An allergy to peanuts is tough to live with because despite your best efforts you will likely come in contact with the peanut protein at some point in your life. A lot of things contain peanuts or are made on the same machinery, or processed in the same rooms, and so cross-contact is high. The best thing you can do is make a habit out of checking labels carefully. Labels will tell you if there is peanut in it, if it should be avoided, or if there is a possibility of cross contamination. Even with careful checking of labels you may still have contact with peanuts. This is just how it is if you plan to eat out, eat at friends, etc. So, know how allergic you are, and be prepared with the right medication on hand in case of a reaction.