Peanut allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to proteins in peanuts, which are actually legumes rather than tree nuts. Reactions can begin within minutes of eating peanut or, in highly sensitive people, after traces from shared utensils or surfaces. Symptoms range from an itchy mouth, hives, and tummy upset to severe anaphylaxis with breathing difficulty, throat swelling, and a drop in blood pressure.
Peanut allergy is taken seriously because it is a frequent cause of severe and fatal food-allergic reactions, and unlike milk or egg allergy it usually persists into adulthood. People with peanut allergy and co-existing asthma are at higher risk of severe reactions, so good asthma control matters.
Management centres on strict avoidance, careful label reading, asking about ingredients when eating out, and carrying adrenaline auto-injectors with a written action plan. Some people are also advised to carry antihistamines for milder symptoms. Anyone with suspected peanut allergy should be assessed by a doctor and ideally an allergy specialist, who can confirm the diagnosis, advise on cross-reactivity with tree nuts, and in some cases discuss newer treatments such as supervised oral immunotherapy.