Peanut allergies can sound scary! One wrong bite and you’re bracing the worst.
If stories of severe reactions have left you anxious, take a deep breath. With the right knowledge, you’ll see it’s not as unmanageable as it might seem.
Did you know there are over 170 foods that can cause allergic reactions? And every 10 seconds in the U.S., someone rushes to the ER because of food allergies. Among these, peanut allergies stand out as one of the most common and the most nerve-wracking for people.
But here’s the big question: how long do peanut allergy symptoms actually last? Is it hours, days, or something else entirely?
In this blog, you’ll know the duration of symptoms, what factors affect it and some ways to deal with it. Let’s break it down and make it less intimidating!
How Does Peanuts Cause Allergies in Your Body?
In peanut allergy, your body reacts to the protein present in peanuts.
Normally, your body’s defense system acts on foreign substances and kills or neutralizes the harmful substances.
However, in the case of peanut allergy, your body considers peanut protein to be a harmful substance.
It tries to protect you and overreacts by producing chemicals in your body. These chemicals initiate an allergic reaction, leading to symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, itchy or watery eyes, etc.
How Long Does It Typically Take For A Peanut Allergy Reaction To Occur?
The allergic response can start in your body within minutes or take a few hours. The symptoms in your body don’t need to resemble those of someone else.
This is because, every person’s body reacts differently to peanut allergy, causing different symptoms. The intensity of symptoms may range from mild to severe.
Let’s explore what symptoms appear in mild and severe peanut allergic reactions.
Some Mild Symptoms Of Peanut Allergy
If your body reacts mildly to peanuts, these symptoms that appear in common are.
- A stomach ache
- Coughing
- A runny nose
- Sore throat
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Hives or skin swelling
- Tingling in your lips or tongue
Severe Symptoms That Require An Emergency Care Facility
Some people even experience serious symptoms if their body undergoes a severe allergic reaction. This is known as anaphylaxis.
- Problems in breathing and swallowing
- Swelling in lips, throat, or other body parts
- Extreme low blood pressure
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness
Well, it is important to note that anaphylaxis is a serious medical condition and needs immediate treatment. If you see anyone around you with these symptoms, call 911 without any delay.
How Long Does A Peanut Reaction Last?
Firstly, you need to understand that a peanut allergy reaction has no fixed duration. Typically, the reaction time may range from minutes to hours or even days.
The reaction time may vary depending on different factors, such as the severity of the response and your body’s sensitivity to it.
Here are some factors to help you better understand:
- Severity of allergy: Individuals with severe allergies may experience longer and more intense reactions.
- Amount of exposure: The quantity of peanuts ingested or the level of contact can influence how long symptoms last.
- Type of reaction: Mild symptoms like itching or hives may resolve quickly, while severe reactions like anaphylaxis can last longer and require immediate medical attention.
- Treatment timing: Administering treatment, such as antihistamines, can reduce the duration and intensity of the reaction.
- Individual factors: Age, overall health, and sensitivity to peanuts can also play a role in how long the symptoms persist.
If even mild reactions persist despite taking all the measures, you can contact a nearby urgent care clinic. The residents of Indiana and Illinois can even walk into the Family Urgent Care clinic on weekdays or weekends.
Not to mention, if you live anywhere in the US, you can even connect with us online via telehealth.
How Long Does A Reaction Last From Indirect Peanut Exposure?
If you are allergic to peanuts, your body not only reacts to direct intake but also to foods containing peanuts, such as biscuits, candy bars, granola bars or peanut-filled crackers.
If you are exposed to peanuts indirectly, the reaction time may vary from minutes to hours.
There are three ways your body can cause a peanut allergy reaction:
- Direct contact: When you eat peanut directly or peanut-containing food.
- Cross contact: If the peanuts get into your food mistakenly during processing or handling.
- Inhalation: When you inhale the peanut particles in the air with dust or peanut flour.
The reaction time depends on the same factors discussed above: your body’s sensitivity, reaction severity, and the treatment received.
Three Easy Ways to Diagnose the Peanut Allergy
If you suspect a peanut allergy, you should visit a doctor for a proper medical examination. Some tests will help confirm the diagnosis.
- Skin test: A provider pricks your skin with tiny amounts of allergens (which include peanut protein) to see if you develop a reaction.
- Blood test: When peanut protein enters your body as an allergen, it produces specific antibodies that start flowing into your bloodstream. Blood is collected to detect the presence of antibodies.
- Food test: In this test, the suspicious food is eliminated from your diet to see if your symptoms improve. It is then added again after some days to see if symptoms reappear.
Some Effective Tips to Deal with Peanut Allergy
To keep yourself safe from peanut allergy, here are some tips for you;
- Avoid having peanuts directly or peanut-containing food.
- When buying packaged food, you must check the ingredients on the labels.
- If dining out, you may ask staff not to add peanuts to your food.
- Keep an emergency kit with you to deal with emergencies.
When To Visit A Doctor’s Office For Peanut Allergy?
For mild peanut allergy symptoms, there’s usually no need to worry! Your immune system can handle it on its own.
If symptoms persist or worsen, visiting a nearby urgent care center for a quick consultation is a good idea.
If you’re in Rogers Park, Lincoln Park, or Schererville, stop by our urgent care clinic. We’re here to provide fast and effective care when it matters most.
However, severe symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or difficulty breathing require immediate attention.
Call 911 and use an epinephrine auto-injector if available. At the emergency care facility, treatments like oxygen, IV antihistamines, and cortisone can help reduce inflammation and ease breathing.
Takeaway
All in all, peanut allergy symptoms don’t last long, but the duration can vary. Mild symptoms fade within a few hours, while severe reactions may need immediate medical care and take a long time to resolve.
The key is not to panic, act quickly when symptoms appear and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
