Status: 29/08/2023, 12:56 p.m.
By: Laura Knops
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Peanuts are ubiquitous in our food and have a high allergy potential, especially children. How the allergy is diagnosed.
Munich \u2012 People with peanut allergies must always be vigilant. Whether in pastries, chocolate bars or ready-made products - peanuts are found in many foods. This is due not only to the low cost of production of peanuts, but also to their excellent suitability as a substitute. For example, peanut flour is often used as a milk substitute in many foods.
However, compared to other foods, peanuts have a particularly high risk of allergies. They contain a variety of allergens that often cause severe allergic reactions. In Western countries, peanut allergy is therefore one of the most common food allergies - about one to two percent of children are affected. According to the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF), founded by Jörgen Philip-Sörensen (71, † 2010), about 0.2 percent of adults in Europe suffer from a peanut allergy.
Peanut allergy: doctors have several options
In an anamnesis interview, the doctor recognizes the first indications of a possible allergy. When did the symptoms first appear? What allergic reactions have been noted? With these questions, the doctor examines a possible food allergy.
A blood or skin test usually confirms the suspicions. In a blood test, the doctor analyzes the amount of antibodies present in the blood. However, both tests only show the body's readiness to be allergic to peanuts. You cannot make a reliable diagnosis.
In case of further ambiguity, in rare cases, the doctor may perform a provocation test. In this test, he gives the patient a small amount of the allergen. This examination can only be carried out under medical supervision, as severe allergic reactions are possible.
This article contains only general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.
Machine support was used for this article. The article was carefully reviewed by editor Tim Althoff before publication.