Living with Peanut Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

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Understanding Peanut Allergy

Risk Factors

  • • Family history of allergies
  • • Existing food allergies
  • • Eczema
  • • Asthma

Common Sources

  • • Whole peanuts
  • • Peanut butter
  • • Peanut flour
  • • Peanut oil

Symptoms

Mild to Moderate

  • • Skin reactions (hives, swelling)
  • • Nasal symptoms
  • • Stomach discomfort
  • • Oral itching

Severe (Anaphylaxis)

  • • Difficulty breathing
  • • Throat constriction
  • • Drop in blood pressure
  • • Loss of consciousness

Diagnostic Process

Testing Methods

  • • Skin prick tests
  • • Blood IgE tests
  • • Component testing
  • • Oral food challenges

Clinical Assessment

  • • Medical history review
  • • Symptom evaluation
  • • Risk assessment
  • • Family history

Management & Treatment

Daily Management

  • • Read all food labels
  • • Avoid cross-contact
  • • Carry emergency medication
  • • Educate others

Treatment Options

  • • Emergency epinephrine
  • • Oral immunotherapy
  • • Avoidance planning
  • • Regular monitoring