A 32-year-old member asked:
If i haven't eaten peanuts in a long time, could that cause an allergy to develop?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Michael Zacharisenanswered
Allergy and Immunology 35 years experience
No: A peanut allergy could develop at any time whether peanuts are being eaten intermittently or even regularly. It's not exactly clear why peanut allergies develop, but it does require 1) exposure ie eating peanuts, 2) sensitization--the body's immune system see the peanut protein as "foreign" and 3) re-exposure---that's when symptoms occur.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 10, 2013
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