Peanut Allergy - An Introspection of Its Causes

Peanut, is one of the most widely consumed fast food consumed across the country. Though it is often mistaken to be a kind of nut, it belongs to the category of dry fruits better known as legumes. These fruits are typically named as Pods. Other kinds of pods include Alfalfa, peas, beans, lentils and more.
An average American consumes more than eleven pounds of peanut in a year. Most individuals are introduced to peanut consumption right after their birth. Peanuts are consumed in various forms including peanut butter, baked foods and table nuts. Apart from those mentioned, peanut protein may also be found in chocolate, egg rolls and certain Thai and ethnic dishes. Individuals effected with peanut allergy show strong sensitization when any of the foods are consumed. It is interesting to note that in some cases, body lotions and creams containing peanut oils may trigger allergic reactions to users and give rise to stringent conditions. This is especially true for baby oils applied to infants during the first six months after the childbirth.
Like any other allergic reaction, a peanut allergy is triggered by the response of the immune system of our body to peanut protein. The body generates Immunoglobulin, an antibody to fight off peanut protein the next time they enter. Individuals prone to allergic reactions may exhibit such signs even at the incident of touching peanut by hand. Once they body consumes food containing peanut protein, it leads to production of histamines inside the body and the body witnesses allergic reactions. The symptoms are characterized by itchiness, skin rashes, followed by breathing troubles, increase in heart beat, which may lead to unconsciousness and lead to coma. In such a case, the patients should be treated with Epiphrine immediately to abort completely the process of sensitization.
Allergy depends on reaction of one's immune system to allergens and thus varies greatly among individuals. However, the response of immune system depends to a large extent on the family background of the individual. For instance an individual with both parents prone to allergy would run a high risk. Similarly a person with one of the parents and a sibling susceptible to allergy would also have high chances of getting effected with the disease. A patient should take some of the basic steps to encounter sensitization. Once allergy syndromes are detected, he/she should visit a specialist and should undergo a Prick Skin test. The patient is required to undergo a routine peanut avoidance program and should resist consumption of the legume at every single instance. It is advisable to carry an Epiphrine injector so that you do not run a risk of an attack even if your body shows slightest sign of allergic reaction.
The researchers are yet to unfold more accurate details about possible causes and outcomes of peanut allergy. A number of research institutions suggest that modifying peanut protein and reducing the allergen content. Though the idea is under process, the results seem promising.