Peanut Allergy

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America allergic reaction to peanuts is the most common cause of food-related death. Peanut allergy is currently estimated to effect about 1% of the population but studies have shown that this is on the rise in the United States. Only 25% of children with peanut allergy will outgrow it and an estimated 100 people a year die of peanut allergy in the United States. Peanut allergy is connected to the body's absorption of protein in peanuts. This protein effects the production of histamine and causes inflammation and the constriction of airways.  Recent studies have shown that peanut allergy may be preventable through the exposure to peanuts earlier in life.An allergic reaction to peanuts occurs when the protein from the peanut is ingested. The body absorbs the protein in the mucosa of the esophagus. This effects the action of Immunoglobulin E and other anaphylatoxins, which act to release histamine from the mast cells. Histamine works to dilate arterioles and constrict bronchioles among other regulatory activities. When the action of anaphylatoxins is effected by the protein in peanuts this can cause an excess of histamine to be introduced into the system leading to inflammation and constriction of the airwaves and other common symptoms of peanut allergy.The absorption of the protein would seem to be the key to peanut allergies. Studies have shown that earlier exposure and absorption of the protein can lead to a lower sensitivity to the allergen. There was a recent study showing that middle eastern societies where they gave their children peanuts at a much younger age had a lower incidence of peanut allergy than children in western countries. In particular, children in Israel and England were compared and it was found that English children had a higher incidence of peanut allergy, because they were exposed to peanuts later than the Israeli children. More studies have shown that delayed exposure to peanuts can result in a higher rise of developing peanut allergy. This lead to the American Association of Pediatrics rescinding their prior recommendation to delay peanut exposure.Peanut allergy is a reaction to the protein in peanuts that causes an overproduction of histamine. Severe reactions can be fatal if untreated. While treatments for peanut allergy are still under development the allergy may be preventable by exposing children to the food earlier. Questions and concerns about peanut and other food allergies can be addressed with an appointment at our office. Please contact us to learn more.