Dr. James Surrell, Journal columnist

It is reported that a peanut allergy is one of the eight most common food allergies, and it is believed that this allergy affects only about 1 to 2 percent of the entire United States population. Peanuts grow underground and they are part of the food group known as legumes.

Peanut allergy typically starts in childhood and it frequently will persist throughout life. However, it is estimated that approximately 20 percent of individuals may outgrow their peanut allergy over time. If a person has had a peanut allergy and may believe it no longer exists, they absolutely need to be evaluated by a medical care professional who has medical expertise regarding food allergies. This is done by doing some professional repeat allergy testing, to determine if there is a favorable likelihood that the peanut allergy has been outgrown and truly no longer exists.

A true allergic response to peanuts usually occurs within minutes after exposure. Peanut allergy signs and symptoms may include one or more of the following.

The allergic reaction may cause skin reactions, such as hives, redness or swelling, itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat, digestive problems, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, tightening of the throat, shortness of breath or wheezing, and a runny nose.

Of course, of greatest concern would be a person having a severe life-threatening reaction from a severe peanut allergy, known as anaphylaxis. A peanut allergy is the most common cause of food-induced anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a very serious medical emergency that may urgently require emergency life-saving treatment with an epinephrine auto injection device, such as an EpiPen brand device, with an urgent trip to the emergency room.

If one has a true anaphylactic reaction, these serious signs and symptoms will likely include the following: constriction of airways and swelling of the throat that makes it difficult to breathe, a severe drop in blood pressure leading to shock, a rapid pulse, dizziness, lightheadedness, and even a loss of consciousness.

Certainly, if there is any concern about a person starting to have a serious reaction from a peanut allergy, emergency care is needed without any delay.

The bottom line here is that if an individual has a known peanut allergy, he or she must become a very careful label reader, to be certain that any food items they consume have no peanut content at all.

If a person does start having any mild reaction at all related to eating peanuts or any peanut products, they should avoid all of them and review this with their health care provider without any delay.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Jim Surrell is the author of the best-selling SOS (Stop Only Sugar) Diet book and his new Joke Book, entitled “Laughter Is Good Medicine.” Dr. Jim’s website is sosdietbook.com.