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Peanut Allergy > Causes
Causes
Scientists do not know what causes a peanut allergy—or any allergy for that matter—but there is evidence of a predisposition when one or both parents of a child has allergies.
However, scientists and doctors understand the causes of an allergic reaction to peanuts, or more specifically, an allergic reaction to at least seven of the proteins found in peanuts. Allergic people come into contact with these proteins through one of three general means: direct contact, cross-contact, and through the air (by inhaling them).
Through Direct Contact
This includes any direct exposure with peanuts, whether by ingestion, through the skin, the lips—any direct manner which puts the body in contact with those proteins and leads the immune system’s antibodies to find and attack them. Direct contact is not only the most common cause of an allergic reaction, it is also the most preventable, provided the patient is diligent.
Through Cross-Contact
Cross-contact causes of allergic reactions are somewhat insidious. For example, a company that processes peanuts might use the same machinery to process another, non-peanut food product, and if the machinery isn’t thoroughly cleaned, traces of peanut can get into the other processed foods. Cross-contact is unintentional but for the patient it is not preventable.
Through the air
Some aerosols contain peanuts, for a variety of reasons, along with peanut flour or peanut oil cooking spray. When trace amounts are inhaled by someone with a peanut allergy, they can trigger an allergic response. Like direct contact, inhaling peanut proteins through the air is preventable.
Peanut Allergy Resources
Causes
Scientists do not know what causes a peanut allergy—or any allergy for that matter—but there is evidence of a predisposition when one or both parents of a child has allergies.
However, scientists and doctors understand the causes of an allergic reaction to peanuts, or more specifically, an allergic reaction to at least seven of the proteins found in peanuts. Allergic people come into contact with these proteins through one of three general means: direct contact, cross-contact, and through the air (by inhaling them).
Through Direct Contact
This includes any direct exposure with peanuts, whether by ingestion, through the skin, the lips—any direct manner which puts the body in contact with those proteins and leads the immune system’s antibodies to find and attack them. Direct contact is not only the most common cause of an allergic reaction, it is also the most preventable, provided the patient is diligent.
Through Cross-Contact
Cross-contact causes of allergic reactions are somewhat insidious. For example, a company that processes peanuts might use the same machinery to process another, non-peanut food product, and if the machinery isn’t thoroughly cleaned, traces of peanut can get into the other processed foods. Cross-contact is unintentional but for the patient it is not preventable.
Through the air
Some aerosols contain peanuts, for a variety of reasons, along with peanut flour or peanut oil cooking spray. When trace amounts are inhaled by someone with a peanut allergy, they can trigger an allergic response. Like direct contact, inhaling peanut proteins through the air is preventable.
Peanut Allergy Resources
Peanut Allergy Resources
