Why We're Going Nuts Over Nut Allergies

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How Food Allergies Can Affect The Body
When a hypersensitive immune system attacts proteins in peanuts or other foods that are harmless to most people, allergic reactions vary from a mild rash to anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal

1 Peanuts are first introduced to the immune system

2 The body reacts to peanut proteins by generating IgE antibodies

3 During the next encounter with peanuts, the antibodies attach to mast cells

4 IgE signals these cells to flood the body with histamines and other chemicals

Allergic reactions can include:

COUGHING/WATERY EYES
Histamines cause eyes and nose to run

HIVES
The activated immune system triggers eczema and hives

VASODILATION
Blood vessels become leaky, lowering blood pressure

AIRWAY CONSTRICTION
Inflammation in the lungs can lead to difficulty breathing

Food allergies are becoming more common ...
Average hospital discharges per year of children with any diagnosis related to food allergies

1998-2000 2,615

'01-'03 4,135

'04-'06 9,537

... but cause fewer deaths than other hazards

Sources: National Center for Health Statistics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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