It’s unclear why peanut allergies are becoming more common Cases of peanut allergy have steadily increased in recent history, Maskatia said.
Peanut allergy reactions are usually the result of accidental ingestion Despite increased awareness, accidental exposures continue to occur, Maskatia noted.
Children and adults with peanut allergies are at risk for anaphylaxis Peanut allergy is the most common allergy associated with anaphylaxis, which is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
“Everyone with a doctor-diagnosed peanut allergy should create an emergency anaphylaxis plan to minimize response time, including carrying two epinephrine auto-injectors accessible at all times.”
Testing and diagnosis can begin in infancy Babies as young as four months old can be tested for peanut allergies, Maskatia noted.
“It is expected that in the next decade, there will be more treatment options for people with peanut allergies.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Palforzia is an FDA-approved drug for peanut allergy treatment, Maskatia pointed out, and the FDA also recently approved Xolair (omalizumab) for treating all food allergies, including peanut allergy.
“It is expected that in the next decade, there will be more treatment options for people with peanut allergies,” she said.
In the United States, over six million people. s. conform to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) to be allergic to peanuts.
Children and teenagers account for nearly 1 in 6 million of these victims.
According to Dr. Rani Maskatia, a pediatric and adult allergist and immunologist in California, “the recent news of deaths and peanut allergies reminds us that consumers are choosing avoidance over cutting-edge therapies that might have saved their lives.”.
A drug for allergies that lessens the severity of reactions to peanuts, dairy, and other foods has been approved by the FDA.
A network of clinics that offers testing and treatment for food allergies, Maskatia also serves as medical director for Latitude Food Allergy Care. She gave Fox News Digital 10 unexpected facts about peanut allergies.
1. An immune system reaction leads to a peanut allergy.
According to Maskatia, a peanut allergy arises when the body’s immune system interprets the main proteins present in peanuts as malicious intruders.
“The body’s defense mechanism, the immune system, combats the proteins, leading to an array of manifestations that occasionally affect various bodily systems, including the skin, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems,” she claimed.
2. There is no known reason for the rise in peanut allergies.
According to Maskatia, the number of cases of peanut allergy has been rising over the past few years.
He said, “This may be the result of a variety of factors in our society, such as changes in the environment, dietary changes over the generations, and even decades of (now out-of-date) advice to completely avoid peanut-based foods in very young children.”.
3. In most cases, accidental ingestion is the cause of peanut allergy reactions.
Maskatia pointed out that accidental exposures still happen even with greater awareness.
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“Even if a particular food item does not specifically contain peanuts, cross-contact (i.e. E. an allergic reaction) can still occur from unintentional contact with peanuts,” she cautioned.
4. An allergy to peanuts can cause a variety of symptoms.
According to Maskatia, an allergic reaction to peanuts can cause a variety of symptoms, from minor discomfort to severe, potentially fatal anaphylaxis.
Hives; skin redness or swelling; runny nose; red, watery eyes; swelling of the tongue and/or lips; eye swelling; nasal congestion; stomach cramps and/or abdominal pain; diarrhea; nausea or vomiting; difficulty breathing and/or wheezing are some of the symptoms that may be present.
5. Adults and children allergic to peanuts run the risk of experiencing anaphylaxis.
The most frequent allergy linked to anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal, is peanut allergy.
A weak or bluish skin tone, tightness in the throat, wheezing or shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, confusion, dizziness, and a weak or fast pulse are all possible indicators of anaphylaxis.
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Maskatia said, “Even though fatalities are extremely uncommon, access to immediate medical treatment is critical if anaphylaxis occurs.”.
In order to reduce reaction times, anyone with a confirmed peanut allergy should prepare an emergency anaphylaxis plan and keep two epinephrine auto-injectors on hand at all times. ****.
6. Infants may be tested and diagnosed.
According to Maskatia, peanut allergy testing can be done on babies as young as four months old.
“Diagnoses can be as accurate as possible with testing that includes skin testing and blood work,” she said to Fox News Digital.
“Specific IgE tests and component testing, which help identify which peanut proteins a patient might be most likely to react to, may be part of blood work. ****.
7. All nuts do not necessarily need to be avoided after a diagnosis of peanut allergy.
According to Maskatia, since peanuts are actually legumes, other varieties of nuts, including cashews, walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts, are frequently safe to eat.
“A clinical evaluation with an allergist is advised, though, as allergies to tree nuts, seeds, and peanuts can coexist,” she stated.
“Once the patient is clear about which foods they are allergic to, they should feel free to consume the foods they do not have an allergy to. This will ensure variety in their diet and lower the possibility of developing a sensitivity to other foods in the future. ****.
8. Things that are not food could cause an allergic reaction.
Additionally, according to Maskatia, peanut proteins can be found in vitamins, prescription drugs, skin creams, makeup, sunscreen, craft supplies, toy stuffing, pet food, bird feed, and even ant baits or mousetraps.
9. Eventually, an allergy may outgrow you.
It is advised to get tested again by an allergist if you think you may have outgrown your peanut allergy, according to Maskatia.
“An oral food challenge may be recommended if an allergist suspects through blood work and skin tests that you may have outgrown the allergy,” the spokesperson stated.
An oral food challenge is a methodical procedure wherein the patient, under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, gradually ingests tiny quantities of a suspected allergen over the course of three to four hours.
Maskatia stated, “We hope you can eat the peanuts safely, which is why we’re doing this.”.
On the other hand, neglecting to seek a clinical diagnosis when a history of reaction is suspected, she cautioned, “may pose serious health and safety risks, as peanut allergies can cause severe or even fatal reactions.”.
Ten. An allergy to peanuts can be managed.
Maskatia suggests a course of treatment known as oral immunotherapy (OIT), which she claims is safe for people of all ages and has an 85% success rate for treating a single or multiple food allergies.
“It is anticipated that individuals with peanut allergies will have more treatment options available to them in the next ten years. “.
“The patient is exposed to progressively higher concentrations of an allergen throughout the OIT process,” the spokesperson stated.
“The body gradually becomes accustomed to the allergen and becomes desensitized. This lessens dietary limitations and improves defense against serious or fatal reactions brought on by unintentional exposure. “.
Maskatia noted that the FDA has approved Palforzia, a medication for treating peanut allergies, and that Xolair (omalizumab), a medication for treating all food allergies, including peanut allergy, was recently approved by the FDA.
“It is expected that in the next decade, there will be more treatment options for people with peanut allergies,” she said.
