A Peanut Pandemic: the Roots of the Legume of a Problem

Recent studies show that about five percent of the population in the United States alone
has peanut allergies (Schupak). Though the numbers seem slight compared to the other 95
percent of the people, the minority population with a peanut allergy makes up approximately
15,700,000 people in America. In addition, about 100 peanut-related deaths occur each year, and
one-third of all anaphylaxis attacks occur in victims of peanut allergy (Macdougall 237). Some
argue that the influx of peanut allergy victims is a global epidemic while others still claim the
issue has been blown completely out of proportion; but worldwide catastrophe or not, the fact
that the number of diagnosed has more than tripled since 1999 still remains (Groopman 26). Left
to be contemplated by researchers, anxious parents, and victims, are the causes, effects, and
whether or not it may be cured.
To begin with, the cause of peanut allergies is unascertained. However, some studies
show links between increasing numbers of overall food allergies and increasing levels of good
hygiene (Schupak). Usually, the immune system fights dozens of bacterial infections within the
body and dismisses allergy responses for the time being (Paskey). "We have done such a good
job of eliminating the threats that the immune system is supposed to manage, that it's looking for
something to do," explains Anne Muoz-Furlong, CEO of the nonprofit Food Allergy and
Anaphylaxis Network (Schupak). Still other experts argue the effects are brought upon by a lack
of Vitamin D in the body (Groopman 26). A reaction usually occurs upon ingestion, though
some individuals may react upon inhalation or skin contact. The antigens, or in this case the
specific type of peanut protein, enter the body and are immediately branded harmful invaders
(Symptoms). The immune system releases inflammatory chemicals such as histamine in an
attempt at destroying or nullifying the antigen, resulting in the allergy attack.

Due to the large increase of inflammatory chemicals within the body during an allergy
attack, many effects may occur in several to all systems of the body. The severity of the
aftereffects post ingestion differs from individual to individual (Allergy Medications).
Common effects are respiratory issues such as trouble breathing, wheezing, and coughing,
gastrointestinal tract problems such as vomiting, stomachache, and diarrhea, and other
complications such as hives, swelling of the face, and tingling around the mouth and throat
(Symptoms). A severe and life-threatening reaction is anaphylaxis, a condition involving all
mentioned symptoms and is characterized by the systemic reaction affecting the whole body
(Allergy Medications). In its extreme, anaphylaxis may result in anaphylactic shock, an often
fatal condition in which the victim undergoes a sudden drop in blood pressure, blue tinge around
the fingernails and across the skin, swollen bronchi, feeling of a closed throat, mental confusion,
unconsciousness, and possibly even death (Balentine). Speedy and immediate treatment and
action is crucial to protect the comfort and wellbeing of the victim.
Though countless studies have been conducted in attempt to find a cure for the peanut
allergy, no method of cure has been established yet (Balentine). Some medications may be taken
to control certain symptoms of allergy. Benadryl is a common diphenhydramine that aids in
blocking the effects of natural histamine in the body (Dubos 71). In extreme reactions, EpiPens
may be used; usually during anaphylaxis (Young 4). One cylinder contains a dosage of
epinephrine, a neurotransmitter commonly referred to as adrenaline. It causes the heart to pump
faster and harder, increases the rate of oxygenation, and works against all of the effects of
anaphylaxis, relieving upper airway obstruction and preventing shock (Most Common Side
Effects). Specialists may also inject other medicinal drugs such as antihistamines and
corticosteroids to manage lingering symptoms after a severe allergy attack (Allergy

Medications). However, the only known way to completely avoid an allergic reaction is to
avoid peanuts themselves. Demonstrated caution and meticulous checking of labels and recipes
is crucial to the well-being of individuals with not only peanut but all food allergies.
Overall, the influx of peanut allergies may or may not be considered an epidemic.
Though why the absolute reason certain individuals are sensitive to specific proteins is yet to be
determined, experts fault improved hygiene and a lack of vitamin D as red-handed culprits. The
bodys own overreaction to the food protein is what spurs an attack or reaction (Young 4).
Effects of the sudden increase of inflammatory mediators range from mild symptoms of
stomachache or hives to anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock (Balentine). The only real cure is to
avoid: checking labels, scrutinizing recipes, and asking waiters until in the future a treatment
method is found to ease worry, save lives, and change the world of health for generations to
come.












Bibliography
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Paskey, Janice. "Why Peanuts, Why Now?" Calgary Herald 1999: n. pag. Print.
Schupak, Amanda. "Why Are So Many Kids Allergic to Peanuts?" Popular Science 8 Dec. 2008:
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