What Determines the Severity of Peanut Allergy Symptoms?

The peanut is a common food that can particularly trigger allergic reactions. The spectrum of allergic reactions ranges from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions. The triggers of allergies and the severity of reactions can vary significantly depending on which component the body reacts to. It is important to understand that one can be allergic not only to peanuts themselves but also to other foods or pollens that can cause cross-reactive allergic responses.

Peanut Allergy Reactions

Peanut allergic reactions often occur immediately or within minutes after consuming the seeds. The spectrum of reactions is quite broad, ranging from numbness around the mouth to swelling of the face or eyes, all the way to anaphylactic shock, which is a life-threatening condition. Due to the variety of allergic symptoms, it is crucial for patients to be aware of possible signs and seek medical assistance if they notice even one or two symptoms. Given the rapid deterioration of the condition, one should not delay in consulting a specialist.

Cross-Reactivity and Peanut Allergy

Individuals with peanut allergies often experience cross-reactivity, especially those who are allergic to birch pollen. Pollen-food cross-reactivity affects 5-10% of allergic patients, and for those allergic to birch pollen, the incidence of cross-reactions can be as high as 30%. These types of allergic reactions typically present with milder symptoms that fall under the so-called oral allergy syndrome. Symptoms include swelling around the mouth and a burning, tingling, or itchy sensation.

The allergenic components of peanuts also determine the severity of the reaction one might expect. Among the allergens, four components can cause more severe reactions, while one allergen known as Ara h2 usually only triggers a local reaction in the mouth. A multiplex allergy test helps doctors establish an accurate diagnosis and determine which component of peanuts the patient is allergic to.

If a patient experiences oral itching or throat irritation, and the allergy test shows a positive result for the Ara h8 component, the symptoms are likely due to a cross-reactive allergic response. However, if the high-risk Ara h1 or Ara h2 allergens are positive, the patient has a severe peanut allergy that could potentially cause life-threatening anaphylactic shock. In such cases, adhering to a strict diet and having access to self-injectable adrenaline is essential.

This information can be particularly important for children, as the risk level of the components can indicate whether the allergy may resolve over time. For low-risk allergens, there is a greater likelihood of symptom reduction, while high-risk allergies typically do not resolve in childhood.