Peanut Allergy

Definition

Peanuts represent as one of the most important foods involved in the development of food allergy. The incidence and prevalence of peanut allergic individuals, particularly in childhood, is steadily growing. Regional differences have been observed. Particularly in North America and England, peanut allergy is a heavily growing problem.

Symptoms range from intestinal and abdominal presentations, including diarrhea, vomiting, and pain, and skin reactions (urticaria) to the airways and the lung (bronchial asthma). The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock which is a life-threatening emergency, requiring immediate attention and treatment with adrenalin. The most common route of exposure is peanut ingestion. However, it might be possible that sensitization occurs also through external exposure, particularly in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis, having a disrupted skin barrier. The importance of external exposure for primary sensitization is...