Tree nut allergy is a common and potentially severe food allergy. It occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to proteins in tree nuts. It's important to note that peanuts are not tree nuts (they're legumes), but they are often grouped with tree nuts due to similar allergenic properties and the potential for cross-contamination.
What are Tree Nuts?
Tree nuts include a variety of nuts, such as:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Hazelnuts (Filberts)
- Macadamia nuts
- Pecans
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
- Brazil nuts
- Pine nuts (Pignoli nuts)
Symptoms of a Tree Nut Allergy:
Tree nut allergy symptoms can vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. Reactions can occur within minutes or up to a few hours after consuming tree nuts or products containing them. Some common symptoms include:
- Skin: Hives, itching, rash, eczema, swelling (especially of the face, lips, or tongue)
- Digestive System: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps
- Respiratory System: Wheezing, coughing, runny nose, difficulty breathing
- Oral Allergy Syndrome: Itching or tingling in the mouth, lips, or tongue
- Anaphylaxis: In severe cases, tree nut allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
Cross-Reactivity:
People with allergies to one type of tree nut may be allergic to other tree nuts as well. This is known as cross-reactivity. It's important to discuss cross-reactivity with your allergist.
Management:
The primary way to manage a tree nut allergy is to avoid all foods that may contain tree nuts. This can be challenging, as tree nuts are used in many different products. Careful label reading is essential.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
If you suspect a tree nut allergy, it's important to consult with an allergist for a proper diagnosis. They may perform tests such as skin prick tests or blood tests. For severe reactions, especially anaphylaxis, epinephrine auto-injectors (like an EpiPen) are the primary treatment.