Peanut Allergy Symptoms and Avoidance

Many allergies are mere nuisances with relatively mild symptoms. However, peanut allergies must not be taken as lightly. Peanut allergy is responsible for more fatalities than any other kind of allergy. Allergic reaction to peanuts can progress rapidly to anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic response marked by hives, swelling, dilated blood vessels, and lowered blood pressure. In severe cases, a person can go into shock. If anaphylactic shock isn't treated immediately, it can be fatal.

Nut allergy sufferers must strictly avoid nuts including peanuts, cashews and walnuts, as well as foods containing nuts. It is not easy to avoid these foods since many products contain nuts or nut products.

Always check food labels before eating a product. Sometimes manufacturers change recipes, and "trigger" food(s) may be added to the new recipe. Also, bear in mind that many prepared foods, baked goods, candy and ethnic foods, contain peanuts or peanut oils. You should always be prepared for this possibility and the risk of an allergic reaction.

Peanut and tree-nut products and foods that may contain them, include:

Tree nuts are sometimes used in making lotions and shampoos. Check the labels of these products to be sure.