HOMOEOPATHY FOR PEANUT ALLERGY

Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies and, in Western countries, is thought to be prevalent in up to 1 in 200 individuals in some populations. Peanut allergy symptoms can be life-threatening-anaphylaxis. For some people with peanut allergy, even tiny amounts of peanut can cause a serious reaction.

Peanut allergy has been increasing in children. Children are more likely than adults to have peanut allergies. While some grow out of it, others need to avoid peanuts for life.

CAUSES

Peanut allergy occurs when immune system mistakenly identifies peanut proteins as something harmful. Direct or indirect contact with peanuts with peanuts causes the immune system to release symptom-causing chemicals into the bloodstream.

Exposure to peanuts can occur in various ways:

·         Direct contact. The most common cause of peanut allergy is eating peanuts or peanut-containing foods. Sometimes direct contact with peanuts can trigger an allergic reaction.

·         Cross –contact.  This is the unintended introduction of peanuts into a product. It is generally the result of a food being exposed to peanuts during processing or handling.

·         Inhalation.  An allergic reaction may occur if the person inhale dust aerosols containing peanuts, from a source such as peanut flour or peanut oil cooking spray.   

SYMPTOMS

An allergic response to peanut usually occurs within minutes after exposure. Peanut allergy signs and symptoms include:

·         Runny nose

·         Skin reactions, such as hives, redness or swelling.

·         Itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat.

·         Digestive problems, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting.

·         Tightening of the throat

·         Shortness breath or breathing.  

A severe allergic reaction can lead to anaphylaxis, a life threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Anaphylaxis signs and symptoms include:

·         Constriction of airways, including a swollen throat or a lump in throat that makes it  difficult to breathe.

·         Abdominal pain and cramping

·         Rapid pulse

·         Shock with severe drop in blood pressure felt as dizziness , lightheadedness or loss of consciousness

RISK FACTORS

It is not clear why some people develop allergies while others don’t . However, people with certain risk factors have a greater chance of developing peanut allergy.

Peanut allergy risk factors include:

·         Age. Food allergies are most common in children, especially toddlers and infants. As grow older, the digestive system matures, and the body is less likely to react to food that triggers allergies.

·         Past allergy to peanuts.  Some children with peanut allergy outgrow it. However, even if you seem to have outgrown peanut allergy, it may recur.

·         Other allergies.  If you have already allergic to one food, you may be at increased risk of becoming allergic to another. Likewise having another type of allergy, such as hay fever, increases your risk of having a food allergy.

·         Family members with allergies.  You are at increased risk of peanut allergy if other allergies, especially other types of food allergies , are common in your family.

·         Atopic dermatitis.   Some people with the skin condition atopic dermatitis also have a food allergy.

COMPLICATIONS

Complications of peanut allergy can include anaphylaxix. Children and adults who have a severe peanut allergy are especially at risk of having this life-threatening reaction.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance  at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When PEANUT ALLERGY   is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

APIS MELLIFICA:  Edematous swelling. Elevated wheals over the whole body. Stinging , burning pain on the affected area. Worse from touch, pressure, warm room, better from cool air, or cool bathing. Skin becomes sensitive, rosy red and sore. Large urticaria like swellings are seen on the skin.

ARSENIC ALB: Burning in stomach. Nausea and vomiting. Loose stools. Great anxiety and restlessness. Thirst for small quantities of water frequently. Running nose.

ASTACUS FLUVIATILIS:  Nettle rash over whole body. Severe itching. Nettle rash with liver infection.

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM: Hives with gastric disorders. Flatulent abdomen , especially lower part. Itching, worse from warmth.  The person prefers hot food and drinks. Craving for sweets. Viscid and offensive perspiration.

NATRUM MURIATICUM: Urticaria like swelling after eating peanuts. Itching and burning. Worse from heat. Dry skin. Running nose. Craving for salt and salty foods.  

NUX VOMICA:  Nausea and vomiting after taking peanuts. Colicky pain in abdomen with loose stools. Better from passing stool, but reappear soon after passing stool. Bruised soreness in abdominal walls. Frequent ineffectual  desire for stool or passing bur small quantities at each attempt. The patient is highly irritable.

PULSATILLA NIGRICANS: Urticaria like swelling with diarrhea after peanut consuming. Itching, worse from undressing and heat.

SULPHUR: Rashes all over the body. Severe burning and  itching, especially from warmth.  Unhealthy skin. Aversion to bathing. Heat sensation in soles and palms.

RHUS TOXICODENDRON:  Urticaria like eruptions. Skin becomes red, and swollen. Severe itching. The patient is highly restless. Constant motion gives relief. Symptoms worse from cool air , better from warm .