How To Tell The Difference Between A Mild And Severe Peanut Allergic Reaction

18 December 2014

Jaime Allen

Peanuts are food that can cause severe allergic reaction. Even eating food that is created in a facility that produces peanuts could trigger an allergic reaction. Peanut allergies could be mild or severe. Mild symptoms present themselves in the forms of a rash or shortness of breath. They can be treated at their onset and remedied. In contrast, severe symptoms are life-threatening and require urgent medical care.

If you are susceptible to peanut allergies or know someone that is, you need to be able to spot the difference between a mild and severe allergic reaction:

Mild symptoms to a Peanut Allergy

If you are allergic to peanuts, you will notice an allergic reaction within minutes after exposure to them. Some of these mild symptoms are:

• Skin reactions like swollen or reddening skin or hives. This reaction occurs at the site where you had contact with peanuts or a peanut-related item. You may not even realize when this contact occurred until you see the manifestation on your skin.  
• Tingling and itching near your mouth and in your throat. Tiny bits of peanuts could appear in food that are not peanuts exactly but were produced in a facility that produces peanuts. If you suspect that you or someone that you know is susceptible to peanut allergies, make sure that you read food labels. The manufacturer of the food will usually declare this warning there.  
• A stomach ache, which could include stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea  
• Wheezing or shortness of breath  
• A running nose or tightening throat

Severe and Life-Threatening Peanut Allergic Reactions

These are serious peanut allergy reactions that could prove fatal if not handled immediately. The following symptoms will require an emergency level treatment as soon as they are noticed. This treatment could include using an allergy pen and heading straight to the emergency room.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction to peanuts. When you notice anaphylaxis, you will feel that your airways constricted. Additionally, you will find it difficult to breathe because you'll have the sense that your throat is swelling. During anaphylaxis, you will notice a severe blood pressure drop. A rapid pulse and loss of consciousness, dizziness, and lightheadedness are also signs of anaphylaxis due to a peanut allergy.

Now that you know the difference between mild and severe symptoms of a peanut allergy, make sure that you contact your allergist at the first sign of one of these symptoms. Contact your doctor or an emergency room at the onset of these symptoms. Also, for more help or information, contact a company like Allergy Partners of Fredericksburg with any questions or concerns you have.

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