Many children and adults suffer from peanut allergy symptoms, as a result of peanut allergies.

A peanut allergy symptoms are caused by our body’s reaction to particular substances. When the body comes into contact with a substance that it considers as harmful, it begins to release histamines to fight off the allergens. As the body fights the allergens, the person exhibits the classic symptoms of an allergic reaction. Aside from eggs, shellfish and fish , allergy to peanuts is the most common.

Generally, peanut allergy symptoms can include:

Skin reactions such as hives, redness or swelling

Itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat

Shortness of breath or wheezing

Tightening of the chest

Digestive problems such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting

Runny or stuffy nose

Regarded as one of the deadliest types of food allergy, peanut allergy affects around three million Americans. Since this type of allergy can cause death, it is very important for you to know the facts surrounding this reaction especially if you or any of your family member is allergic to peanuts.

This type of allergy can be triggered by even the smallest of doses. Peanut allergy is characterized by severe symptoms including anaphylactic shock. The particular symptom causes breathing difficulties, severe swelling, heart failure, circulatory collapse and eventually death. Moreover, the person also suffers from gastrointestinal discomfort.

Since there is no available treatment for allergies, the same is also true for peanut allergy. Medications for allergies that are available are only created to treat the symptoms of the allergic reaction. In order to prevent any episode of the reaction, people with peanut allergy should avoid peanuts or peanut ingredients. In case of an allergic reaction, the person must be injected by adrenalin or epinephrine, which could reverse or prevent the anaphylactic shock. Adrenalin can increase heart rate, reduce swelling, constrict blood vessel and relax muscles. As soon as the symptom subsides the individual must still be taken to the hospital to be checked thoroughly.

Nowadays, persons with peanut allergy are given extra consideration. Due to the possible severity of the illness, you should also make sure that you do not endanger yourself. Persons with peanut allergy symptoms have found themselves having problems while traveling by air.

Peanuts are considered to be a staple in most airlines and having an allergic reaction while on air could be just a difficult situation if you are not careful. To avoid this situation, you should first check with the airline and find if they do serve peanuts or peanut ingredient during your flight. Also, you should ask your doctor to give you a document stating your peanuts allergy.

Before you go on your trip, you should discuss with your doctor the need for carrying with you extra adrenalin. You need to plan on what food to bring so you are assured of peanut-free food. If you are traveling with your child who has contact sensitivity to peanuts, make sure you wipe the seat, arm rest, tray table and window area. In case an allergic reaction happen during the flight, you should stay calm and follow all instructions your doctor gave you for cases like this. Alert the airline crew of the emergency situation as fast as you can so they could immediately contact and request professional medical assistance that would be on standby as soon as you landed.

Like you can see, the this type of allergy can be very dangerous and if you have it, it’s a good idea to just be aware of it, so you can react in the proper ways to diffuse the allergic reaction. Be alert to especially any peanut allergy symptoms that might arise.