Question

Section 3: Pathology for peanut allergy

Describe what happens physiologically when a person is exposed to the trigger food(s) of the peanut alleragy.
Your description should include:

1. All of the potential symptoms; which symptoms are most common, which are rare
2. If there are varying levels of severity (ex. some people have a mild intolerance vs. some people have a severe intolerance), what are the difference in symptoms?
3. How many people are affected with the peanut allergy (can be worldwide or just in the U.S.)
4. Are there particular groups of people that are affected at a higher rate or more severely? (Can be age groups, gender, ethnic background)

Answer 1

Some people are sensitive to peanuts and when they come in contact with peanuts, they show allergic reactions. Some people show mild intolerance and the symptoms may include runny nose, skin reactions like hives, redness and swelling, itching and tingling in mouth and throat, shortness of breathing. Some people shows severe intolerance and symptoms may include anaphylactic reaction which may be life threatening. The symptoms of anaphylactic reactions include constriction of airways, severe hypotension, rapid pulse and loss of consciousness.

Pathology: Some people's immune system mistakenly recognise peanuts as pathogens and thus start showing immunological response which may results into secretion of histamine from mast cells and many other immunochemicals resulting into above stated symptoms.

Risk factors: This allergy infact any food allergy are most common in children especially toddlers and infants. Family history may also affect.

Almost 0.6% people in United States suffer from peanuts allergy.