DOCTORS have issued a stark warning to millions of Brits with nut allergies, after a teen died from a reaction triggered during sex.
The man had received oral sex from another man who had recently eaten peanut butter, according to Canadian doctors.
During the act, the teen began experiencing breathing problems and used an inhaler – which he carried with him at all times.
He collapsed, and someone called for help, but by the time paramedics got there 45 minutes later, he had no pulse.
He was eventually revived and placed on life-support, but suffered severe brain damage after being deprived of oxygen for so long.
Just one day later, the teen died in hospital.
His cause of death was found to be anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that causes life-threatening inflammation of the airways.
The severe immune reaction can make breathing difficult, or even impossible, and may cause the heart to stop due to a lack of oxygen.
Anaphylaxis is considered a serious emergency requiring treatment like an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) and a call for emergency services.
Medics, describing the case in the journal Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, said traces of peanuts were likely contained in the saliva of the boy’s date.
The peanut-laden spit was absorbed through the sensitive skin on the teen’s genitals, according to medics.
They pointed out that, as the pair hadn’t kissed recently, oral sex must have been the only way the peanut traces entered the victim’s system.
Research shows that peanut residue can stay in saliva for up to six hours, and allergy reactions from kissing have occurred even after brushing teeth, using mouthwash, and chewing gum.
Because no condoms were used, doctors also ruled out a latex allergy as the cause.
Cases of women with peanut allergies reacting to traces of peanuts in their partner’s sperm have been documented before.
OnlyFans model Lucy Banks revealed that she suffered significant itching and swelling after having sex with her partner.
The 20-year-old has a peanut allergy and her partner had consumed nuts.
Lucy was struck with a seminal food allergy, which is a rare condition whereby traces of foods and medicines can end up in sperm.
The Canadian case was the first reported incident involving two males and oral sex, according to the medics.
They emphasised the need for better education on the risks of allergy attacks related to intimate activities.
“With the rise of dating apps, particularly among stigmatised groups, this case highlights the importance of educating people about allergies to reduce risks,” they said.
“Anyone engaging in intimate activities should disclose their allergies, as the consequences can be life-threatening.”
The medics also thanked the patient’s family for allowing the publication of the case to raise awareness and save lives.
Peanut and tree nut allergies are common – they are the most commonly known foods to cause anaphylaxis.
About 1 in 50 children and 1 in 200 adults in the UK have a nut allergy.
Experts estimate that food allergies cause 10 deaths in the UK each year, with 5,000 people being hospitalised.
The signs of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis
SYMPTOMS of an allergy usually occur within minutes of contact with with the offending food or trigger, but they can also come on up to one hour later.
Most allergic reactions are mild but they can also be moderate or severe.
Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction which can be life-threatening.
Mild to moderate symptoms include:
- Itchy mouth, tongue and throat
- Swelling of lips, around the eyes or face
- Red raised itchy rash (often called nettle rash, hives or urticaria)
- Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea
- Runny nose and sneezing
Severe symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Swelling of your throat and tongue
- Difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
- Difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice
- Wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing
- Feeling tired or confused
- Feeling faint, dizzy or fainting
- Skin that feels cold to the touch
- Blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
Anaphylaxis and its symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency.
Follow these steps if you think you or someone you’re with is having an anaphylactic reaction:
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) if you have one – instructions are included on the side of the injector.
- Call 999 for an ambulance and say that you think you’re having an anaphylactic reaction.
- Lie down – you can raise your legs, and if you’re struggling to breathe, raise your shoulders or sit up slowly (if you’re pregnant, lie on your left side).
- If you have been stung by an insect, try to remove the sting if it’s still in the skin.
- If your symptoms have not improved after 5 minutes, use a 2nd adrenaline auto-injector.
Do not stand or walk at any time, even if you feel better.
Sources: Allergy UK, NHS
