The first step for any allergy sufferer is to get an accurate diagnosis from a medical expert. The allergic individual will also need advice on available treatments and what foods and additives to avoid.
A Tree Nut Allergy and the Symptoms
An allergic reaction to tree nuts occurs when an individual who has an allergy to one or more types of tree nuts comes into contact with the nut protein. The protein causes a reaction in the immune system, which results in allergy symptoms.
A tree nut allergy can cause any of a variety of allergy symptoms, which include rash, hives, swelling, allergic rhinitis, itching, sore eyes, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.
A tree nut allergy, like those to peanuts, fish and shellfish, has a high risk for bringing on an anaphylactic attack.
A Tree Nut Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment
A tree nut allergy diagnosis must be obtained from a medical professional. The diagnosis will likely be made using a medical examination, complete medical and family history, as well as skin or blood tests.
As with all food allergies, the main treatment for a tree nut allergy is to avoid the food trigger completely. The health care provider will also provide advice on medication.
The higher risk of anaphylaxis with a tree nut allergy makes it essential that the allergic individual carry self-injectable epinephrine at all times. Some type of medical alert jewelry is also important.
What to Avoid with a Tree Nut Allergy
An individual with an allergy to one type of tree nut will not necessarily be allergic to all types of tree nuts. However, the physician will give advice on whether or not to avoid all types of tree nuts because of the higher risk of additional allergies and the danger of anaphylaxis.
Water chestnuts and peanuts are not tree nuts; however, in some cases the patient is also advised to avoid peanuts.
The following foods are all tree nuts:
- almonds
- Brazil nuts
- cashews
- chestnuts
- hazelnuts (filberts)
- hickory nuts
- macadamia nuts
- pecans
- pine nuts (pinons)
- pistachios
- walnuts
Tree nuts are often included in many processed food items. An individual with this allergy should be alert for the following ingredient items:
- almond extract
- artificial nuts
- gianduja
- marzipan
- nut meal
- mashuga nuts
- nougat
- nut paste
- pinon, pignoli
Tree nut allergy sufferers need to be aware that cross-contamination is a very real possibility in restaurants and bakeries. This is a life-threatening issue and should not be treated lightly. Whenever there is any doubt, the allergy sufferer should ask questions. If the doubt remains, eating the item in question is not worth the risk.
An allergic reaction to tree nuts has a high potential of causing anaphylaxis. It is essential that the allergy suffer be supervised by a medical expert and have emergency medication and a plan in place at all times.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical attention and supervision.
Sources:
Website: The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, 2009. Visited June 20, 2009.
Rhude Yoder, Eileen. The Allergy-free Cookbook: How to Avoid the Eight Major Food Allergens and Eat Happily Ever After. Philadelphia, PA: Running Press Book Publishers, 1987, 2009.
Barber, Marianne S. The Parent’s Guide to Food Allergies: Clear and Complete Advice from the Experts on Raising Your Food-allergic Child. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2001.
For additional articles related to food allergies see Information About Milk Allergy, Allergic or Sensitivity Reactions to MSG and Adjusting to a Celiac Disease Diagnosis.
Stella Walsh - Stella Walsh is a Christian writer, student of theology, elementary school teacher, committed church volunteer and photography ...
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