Peanut Butter Allergy Symptoms

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, about 2 to 2.5 percent of Americans suffer from food allergies---including allergies to peanuts and peanut products, such as peanut butter. Allergies to peanuts and peanut products are extremely common and often manifest during a child's first years. While some people eventually outgrow food allergies, most never outgrow peanut allergies. This can be a dangerous allergy: in addition to fish and shellfish, peanuts (and tree nuts) are most likely to trigger anaphylaxis, a serious reaction.

Causes

• Allergies are the body's response to proteins that are found in certain airborne particles, or in the case of peanut butter, food proteins. A healthy immune system fends off potential infections and inactivating proteins found in most foods, which is why humans are able to tolerate such a wide variety of them. However, when someone is allergic to peanut butter, the immune system responds by producing increased immunoglobulin E antibodies. These antibodies mean serious business; as they battle what they perceive as "threatening" proteins found in peanuts, they collect in certain areas of the body---specifically, the skin, intestines and lungs.

Skin Symptoms

• Typically, an allergic response begins from a few moments to a few hours after peanut butter is eaten and first manifests itself on the skin surface. A common symptom of peanut butter allergy is hives---raised, red welts that are itchy. Another symptom affecting the skin is eczema. Like hives, eczema is itchy; however, instead of raised welts, red, rough patches develop on the skin.

Intestinal Symptoms

• Allergies to peanut butter can result in numerous disturbances in the stomach and digestive tract. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Additionally, redness and itching may be noted around the mouth. Itching, swelling and tingling may affect the inside of the mouth and throat.

Lung Symptoms

• A person with peanut butter allergies may have symptoms that are similar to asthma. These include wheezing, coughing, sneezing and the sensation that breathing is restricted. Also, symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis may be present, such as a runny or congested nose and red, watery, itchy eyes.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

• People who are highly allergic to peanut butter may experience the symptoms more intensely. Someone with a severe response to peanut butter may also experience anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening. Symptoms include a sudden, precipitous drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse and constriction of the airway, to the point where it is extremely difficult to breath. Dizziness and unconsciousness may occur. While use of antihistamines can counter symptoms in those who are only mildly allergic to peanut products, they will not be enough to treat the person with a severe reaction. If a person goes into anaphylactic shock, a trip to the emergency room is often warranted so that an adrenaline injection can be administered. Some people who are highly allergic to peanuts carry an epinephrine auto-injector with them at all times.

How to Avoid

• The best way to avoid symptoms of peanut butter allergies is to avoid the food entirely---this includes peanuts and peanut byproducts too. But beware that use of peanut products is prevalent in food manufacturing. The federal Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act requires all food labels to clearly specify if the product contains certain food allergens, one of these being peanuts and peanut byproducts. If you have an allergy to peanut butter, you probably already know to avoid the jar with the Jif or Peter Pan trademark. But remember that peanut butter is frequently used in other food products, such as cookies, ice cream, energy and candy bars and other treats. If you are allergic to peanut butter, read all food labels carefully.