Nut Allergies
Nut allergies are one of the most common types of allergies in children and adults. Nut allergies, which are among the 8 common food allergens among food allergies, do not improve with advancing age in most children. Nut allergies are generally allergies that can last a lifetime. Nut allergies, which have the potential to cause potentially dangerous reactions, are becoming increasingly common.
Causes of Nut Allergies
As with all allergies, nut allergy is caused by the immune system seeing a harmless substance as harmful. The immune system begins to fight against this substance that it perceives as a threat and produces antibodies that cause the release of the chemical called histamine. Molecules that activate the immune system and cause an allergic reaction can be found in various foods, and you may have an allergic reaction to these foods. Therefore, some people develop allergies to the same allergen in cashews and pistachios. This situation is called “cross-reaction”.
Nuts known as tree nuts come in different varieties and include:
- Almond,
- brazil nuts,
- cashew nuts,
- hazelnuts,
- walnuts,
- macadamia nuts,
- hazelnuts with walnuts,
- Pine nuts,
- pistachios,
- Cashew nuts.
If you are allergic to one tree nut, you are more likely to develop allergies to other tree nuts. Additionally, siblings of children with nut allergies are more likely to have nut allergies as well.
Symptoms of Nut Allergies
Symptoms of nut allergies may vary from person to person. While some people may have very severe reactions, some people may have mild reactions.
Mild symptoms of nut allergies include:
- Raised red bumps on the skin – hives (urticaria)
- swelling of the lips Tingling in the throat and mouth
- Itchy and red skin
- runny nose
- Digestive symptoms; cramps, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting.
Serious symptoms of nut allergies include:
- Having difficulty breathing,
- swelling of the tongue,
- Swelling and tension in the throat,
- Wheezing, Recurrent cough,
- Difficulty speaking or hoarseness of voice,
- Dizziness or fainting, Anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis, or allergic shock, is a very serious condition and may require urgent medical attention. Anaphylaxis includes symptoms that can lead to coma or even death.
Diagnosing Nut Allergy
If you have experienced symptoms of nut allergy or suspect a nut allergy, you should see an allergist immediately. Since nut allergies can have very serious consequences, correct diagnosis is very important. Your allergist may examine your medical history in detail and ask you some questions. Your allergist may ask you questions such as whether you have any other allergies or what type of allergies run in your family. Skin prick testing and blood testing are often used to diagnose nut allergies. In a skin prick test, a tiny amount of the suspected allergen is placed under your skin. This area is then observed for 15-20 minutes. If there is a symptom such as redness or swelling in this area, it can be concluded that you have an allergy. Another test, the blood test, looks at the antibodies your body produces against the allergen. Another method used to diagnose food allergies is the food challenge test. In this test, your allergist may ask you to eat the food suspected of causing an allergic reaction. This test must be performed under the supervision of an allergist and in a clinic with emergency teams and equipment.
Treatment of Nut Allergy
As with other food allergies, the most effective treatment for nut allergies is to stay away from the substance that causes the allergic reaction. No matter how much you try to stay away, in some cases you may be exposed to allergens without even realizing it. In order to intervene in severe reactions that may occur in these cases, your allergist will prescribe you an adrenaline auto-injector. Your allergist will give you detailed training on how to use the Adrenaline auto-injector and the situations in which it should be used. Cross-reactivity may occur in nut allergies. Well; A food with a similar protein structure may also cause an allergic reaction in you. Your allergist will also conduct a study with you on the foods you should avoid and the foods you can consume. Before eating packaged food, you should definitely read the label. Nuts may be used in most processed foods. For this reason, knowing the ingredients of any food before eating it will prevent any allergic reaction that may occur.
