If you read food labels, you've probably seen warnings on certain products stating that they contain peanuts, or that they were manufactured on equipment that is used to make food with peanuts. Maybe you've wondered what the big deal is. But for those who have peanut allergies, such warnings are very important.

A peanut allergy is essentially like any other food allergy. Those who are allergic to peanuts experience an immune response when they eat or are otherwise exposed to peanuts. In severe cases, the allergy sufferer could go into anaphylactic shock, a condition that can result in death if left untreated.

One reason that peanut allergy receives so much attention is because it's one of the most common types of food allergy. Some degree of peanut allergy is present in about 1% of the population. Another reason that we hear so much about it is because peanuts, peanut particles and peanut oil are found in so many different foods.

So how do you recognize a peanut allergy? Look for these symptoms in the minutes and hours following consumption of or exposure to peanuts:

• Hives and redness or swelling of the skin, especially on the face
• Itching or tingling sensations in the mouth and throat
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and other digestive problems
• A feeling of tightness in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Stuffy or runny nose

If these symptoms are not serious, avoid peanuts until you can get an appointment with your doctor. If they come on quickly and severely (especially if you have difficulty breathing or a sudden drop in blood pressure), seek medical attention immediately.

What to Do If You're Allergic to Peanuts

If you are allergic to peanuts, it is very important to avoid them. Even if you have only had mild reactions in the past, it's possible that you could have a severe one in the future. Reading the label of every food and ingredient you consume is critical.

When dining out, check the menu to see if dishes that contain peanuts are identified. If not, ask your waiter or waitress if the dish you want has any ingredients that may contain peanuts. They can be found in surprising places, including salad dressings, sauces and nut butters other than peanut butter.

It's also important to avoid places where there might be peanut dust present. This includes food manufacturing facilities that use peanuts and restaurants where peanuts are served. Even ice cream shops could pose a risk.

It can be surprisingly difficult to avoid peanuts. That's why it's so important to take precautions in case of exposure. If you're allergic to peanuts, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace. It's also important to carry an emergency epinephrine injector (commonly known as an EpiPen) at all times. Using it could save your life in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.

Out of all food allergies, peanut allergy is the most common and causes the most deaths. Fortunately, food labeling requirements have made it easier for us to spot foods that contain peanuts. There's still a certain amount of vigilance required to avoid them completely, but it's much easier than it once was to live with a peanut allergy.