Maapähkinäallergia

Maapähkinäallergia, also known as peanut allergy, is a common food allergy characterized by an immune system overreaction to peanuts. This reaction can range from mild symptoms like hives and itching to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment with epinephrine.

The immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in peanuts as harmful and releases chemicals like histamine, which cause allergy symptoms. Even trace amounts of peanut protein can trigger a reaction in highly sensitive individuals. Exposure can occur through ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation of peanut dust.

Symptoms typically appear within minutes to a couple of hours after exposure and can include swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness. Diagnosis is usually made through a combination of medical history, skin prick tests, and blood tests.

Currently, there is no cure for peanut allergy. Strict avoidance of peanuts and peanut-containing products is the primary management strategy. This requires careful reading of food labels and vigilance regarding cross-contamination. For those at risk of anaphylaxis, an epinephrine auto-injector should be carried at all times. Oral immunotherapy is an emerging treatment option being studied and used in some cases to desensitize individuals to peanuts.