PEANUT HYPERSENSITIVITY Meaning and
Definition
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Peanut hypersensitivity, also known as peanut allergy, is a condition characterized by an abnormal immune response to peanuts or peanut products. It is a type of food allergy, specifically an IgE-mediated allergic reaction. When an individual with peanut hypersensitivity ingests or comes into contact with peanuts, their immune system reacts by producing IgE antibodies against peanut proteins, perceiving them as harmful substances.
Symptoms of peanut hypersensitivity can range from mild to severe and may include hives, itching, swelling, sneezing, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, wheezing, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that affects multiple body systems simultaneously and can be fatal if not promptly treated.
The prevalence of peanut hypersensitivity has been increasing in recent years, particularly in Western countries. It is often a lifelong condition, although some children may outgrow their allergy as they get older.
As there is currently no cure for peanut hypersensitivity, management primarily revolves around strict avoidance of peanuts and peanut-containing products. This entails reading food labels carefully, avoiding cross-contamination, and being cautious while dining out or consuming packaged foods. Individuals at risk of severe reactions are often prescribed emergency epinephrine auto-injectors (commonly known as EpiPens) to be used in case of anaphylaxis.
It is important for individuals with peanut hypersensitivity and their caregivers to be educated about the condition, recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction, and have an emergency plan in place to ensure their safety and well-being.
Common Misspellings for PEANUT HYPERSENSITIVITY
- oeanut hypersensitivity
- leanut hypersensitivity
- -eanut hypersensitivity
- 0eanut hypersensitivity
- pwanut hypersensitivity
- psanut hypersensitivity
- pdanut hypersensitivity
- pranut hypersensitivity
- p4anut hypersensitivity
- p3anut hypersensitivity
- peznut hypersensitivity
- pesnut hypersensitivity
- pewnut hypersensitivity
- peqnut hypersensitivity
- peabut hypersensitivity
- peamut hypersensitivity
- peajut hypersensitivity
- peahut hypersensitivity
- peanyt hypersensitivity
- peanht hypersensitivity
Etymology of PEANUT HYPERSENSITIVITY
The word "peanut hypersensitivity" can be broken down into two parts: "peanut" and "hypersensitivity".
The term "peanut" refers to the nut of the pea plant scientifically known as Arachis hypogaea. "Peanut" is derived from the Old English word "pēonut" or "pēanut", which itself has roots in the Latin word "pinaculum" and the Greek word "pīnon".
"Hypersensitivity" is a medical term that describes an exaggerated or excessive reaction of the immune system to a certain substance known as an allergen. It is derived from the word "sensitivity", which originated from the Latin word "sensitivus", meaning "capable of sensation". The prefix "hyper-" means "excessive" or "over", indicating an exaggerated immune response.
