What is peanut allergy?
Peanut allergy is a type of food allergy distinct from nut allergies. It is a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction to dietary substances from peanuts causing an overreaction of the immune system which in a small percentage of people may lead to severe physical symptoms. It is due to IgE allergy antibodies against peanut proteins.
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A food allergy is caused when a person's immune system mistakenly believes that a harmless substance, in this case a food, is harmful. In its attempt to protect the body, it creates specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies to that food. The next time the individual eats that food, the immune system releases massive amounts of chemicals and histamines. These chemicals trigger a cascade of allergic symptoms that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, or cardiovascular system. Read the article
