Peanut

Peanut is one of the most common and clinically significant food allergens. Peanut allergy is often persistent and may last a lifetime. Major allergens (Ara h 1, Ara h 2, Ara h 3, etc.) are resistant to heat and digestion, so reactions can occur to both raw and processed forms. Clinical manifestations range from mild symptoms to severe reactions, including the risk of anaphylaxis.

Indications
Suspected peanut allergy in the presence of the following symptoms after consumption:

• itching or tingling in the mouth
• swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• skin reactions (urticaria, rash, itching)
• respiratory symptoms (runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing)
• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)
• history of anaphylactic reactions
• presence of other food allergies or atopic diseases

Procedure
Specific IgE to peanut allergens is determined through a blood test:

• venous blood sample collection
• analysis using immunoassay methods
• may include total peanut IgE and component-resolved diagnostics (e.g., Ara h 2)
  The procedure takes a few minutes, and results are usually available within a few days.