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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffPeanut allergy occurs when your immune system develops allergy-type antibodies to peanut proteins. Your immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins as something harmful. The next time you come in contact with peanuts, these antibodies recognize it and signal your immune system to release chemicals such as histamine into your bloodstream, which leads to the signs and symptoms of an allergic response. Scientists aren't sure why some people become allergic to peanuts and others don't.
Exposure to peanuts can occur in three ways:
- Direct contact. The most common cause of peanut allergy is eating peanuts or peanut-containing foods. Sometimes direct skin contact with peanuts can trigger an allergic reaction.
- Cross-contact. This is the unintended introduction of peanuts into a product. It's generally the result of exposure to peanuts during processing or handling of a food product.
- Inhalation. An allergic reaction may occur if you inhale dust or aerosols containing peanuts, such as that of peanut flour or peanut oil cooking spray.
