Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Role Of Peanut Allergy In Anaphylaxis, Jessica Schmelzer

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

The rise of food allergies directly correlates with the increase in anaphylactic reactions. Food allergies currently affect an estimated 15 million Americans or 4% of children and 1% of adults. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction that is most commonly caused by food allergies. The top 8 allergens in the United States are: peanut, tree nut, milk, egg, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish. Peanut allergies are on the rise in the United States and are commonly a cause of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis causes rapid-onset respiratory compromise, skin/mucosal involvement and hypotensive end-organ dysfunction. Symptoms of anaphylaxis are severe and often occur very quickly after …