Peanut allergy

Peanut allergy is an immune-mediated reaction to proteins in peanuts, a legume distinct from tree nuts. Reactions range from mild symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Immunoglobulin E: An antibody class that binds allergens and can trigger immediate allergic reactions. Peanut-specific IgE activates immune cells when peanut proteins cross-link the bound antibodies.
Oral food challenge: A supervised test in which increasing amounts of a food are eaten to assess clinical reactivity. It can confirm or rule out peanut allergy when history and testing leave uncertainty.
Food allergy: An immune-mediated adverse reaction to a food or its components. Peanut allergy is one specific food allergy, often distinguished by the risk of severe reactions.
Tree nut allergy: An immune-mediated reaction to proteins in one or more tree nuts, such as walnuts or cashews. Peanuts are legumes, so peanut allergy is distinct even though both allergies can coexist.
Mast cell: A tissue immune cell that releases inflammatory mediators after activation. Mast cells release histamine and other mediators during many immediate peanut reactions.
Skin prick test: A diagnostic test that introduces a small amount of allergen into the skin and measures a local reaction. Peanut extracts can reveal sensitization, though a positive result alone does not prove clinical allergy.
A. Wesley Burks: An American physician and researcher known for work on food allergy and immunotherapy. His clinical research helped shape modern understanding and treatment of peanut allergy.
Peanut intolerance: Nonimmune symptoms associated with eating peanuts, without the allergic immune mechanism. Intolerance does not involve peanut-specific allergy, despite possible overlap in reported digestive symptoms.
Anaphylaxis: A rapid, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction affecting multiple body systems. Peanut allergy can cause this severe reaction, including breathing difficulty or circulatory collapse.
Epinephrine autoinjector: A portable device that delivers a measured dose of epinephrine for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. People at risk of severe peanut reactions may carry it for prompt treatment.

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