Peanuts are the number one cause of death related to food-induced anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include impaired breathing, swelling in the throat, a sudden drop in blood pressure, pale skin or blue lips, dizziness, and fainting.

Less severe symptoms of a peanut allergy are similar to most allergy symptoms and include:

• Itchy skin or hives;
• An itching or tingling sensation in the mouth or throat;
• Nausea;
• A runny or congested nose.

Peanuts comprise different proteins; a person with a peanut allergy could be reacting to one or more of these proteins. Knowing which protein is causing the reaction is important because different proteins can cause different allergic reactions.

Specific IgE blood testing for peanut components helps your healthcare provider identify the specific proteins that may cause your reactions. So instead of knowing that you're allergic to peanuts in general, you can know exactly which protein may trigger the reaction. Testing with allergen components can also help your healthcare provider determine whether an oral food challenge (OFC) test is recommended. An OFC test can be used to help confirm your peanut allergy or determine whether you have outgrown it.