Peanut allergy

Peanut allergy is a type of food allergy to peanuts. It is different from tree nut allergies, because peanuts are legumes and not true nuts. Symptoms of allergic reaction typically occur within 2 hours of peanut ingestion. Allergic symptoms can involve the skin (hives, swelling), gastrointestinal (vomiting, diarrhea), respiratory system (cough, wheeze) or cardiovascular system (drop in blood pressure, shock). Anaphylaxis may occur. The risk of death from anaphylaxis is low, approximately 1 in 10 million. It is due to a type I hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system in susceptible individuals. Prevention may be partly achieved through early introduction of peanuts to the diets of pregnant women and babies. It is recommended that babies at high risk be given peanut products in areas where medical care is available as early as 4 months of age. Oral immunotherapy results in some degree of tolerance in about 65% of children, though side effects are frequent. The principal treatment for anaphylaxis is the injection of epinephrine. Peanut allergy occurs in about 1.4–2% in Europe and the United States as of 2021, increasing 3.5-fold over the preceding two decades. Among children in the Western world, rates of peanut allergy are between approximately 1.5% and 3% and have increased over time. It is a common cause of food-related fatal and near-fatal allergic reactions.