Nuts can be true nuts like walnut, chestnut or some dried fruits & seeds like peanut & cashew nut. Peanut allergy is one of the most common causes of severe allergy attacks. Even tiny amounts of peanuts can cause a life threatening reaction. Your body is exposed directly to peanuts by eating peanuts or peanut containing foods. Indirect exposure happens if your food is exposed to peanuts during processing or handling. Symptoms include hives, itching in mouth & throat, shortness of breath, stomach cramps & nausea.