How to recognize and treat nut allergies

Nut allergies: all you need to know

Nut allergies are one of the most common food allergies. In this article, an experienced allergist will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for different types of nut allergies, as well as cross-allergic reactions and nut substitutes for allergy sufferers.

Types of nuts that cause allergies

1. Peanut allergies can be especially dangerous because they cause severe allergic reactions. Peanuts are not tree nuts, but a legume plant, but the reaction to them can be similar to tree nut allergies.
2. Allergies to walnuts, also known as hazelnuts, often cross-allergy with other types of nuts such as pistachios, pine nuts, and nutmeg.
3. Almonds can also cause allergies in some people. It is especially important to be careful about the almond content in various products such as marzipan and almond milk.
4. Hazelnuts, along with walnuts and almonds, can also cause allergies. Cross-allergies to hazelnuts and other nuts, such as cashews, can occur in some people.

Symptoms of nut allergies

• Nut allergies often show up on the skin as hives, itching, redness, and swelling. In children, nut allergies may appear as atopic dermatitis.
• Respiratory symptoms of nut allergies include difficulty breathing, runny nose, sneezing, and swollen throat.
• Nut allergies can cause digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Colic and constipation can occur in children with nut allergies.

Diagnosing a nut allergy

To determine a nut allergy, an allergist takes a history and prescribes special tests, such as skin tests or a blood test for specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). These tests can help determine exactly which nuts the patient is allergic to.

Nut allergy treatment

If you have an allergic reaction to nuts, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines such as loratadine, cetirizine or fexofenadine to help manage allergy symptoms such as itching, redness and swelling.

In severe allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock, epinephrine (adrenaline) should be administered immediately with an auto-injector such as the EpiPen. This life-saving medication helps to quickly constrict blood vessels, reduce swelling and restore breathing.

Preventing nut allergies

To prevent nut allergies, you should carefully read the contents of foods, avoid foods labeled "may contain traces of nuts" and be careful in restaurants where nuts may be used in cooking.

If a nut is accidentally ingested, you should stop eating the product immediately and rinse your mouth with water. If allergy symptoms occur, an antihistamine should be taken, and if the reaction is severe, an epinephrine auto-injector should be used immediately and medical attention should be sought.

Nut allergies in children

In children, nut allergies may appear at an earlier age and with more pronounced symptoms. Parents should be especially alert to their child's allergy manifestations and contact an allergist immediately at the first sign of an allergy.

Cross-allergies: nuts and other foods

A cross-allergy occurs when the body reacts to similar proteins in different foods. In the case of nut allergies, cross reactions may occur with other types of nuts, as well as with some fruits, vegetables and grains.

Nut substitutes for allergy sufferers

If you have a nut allergy, you can use nut substitutes in your diet, such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or flax seeds, which are nutritious and safe for allergy sufferers.

Nut allergy is a serious condition that requires attention and monitoring by the patient and doctor. Knowing the types of nuts that cause allergies, the main symptoms and the principles of treatment will allow you to cope with the allergic reaction and avoid its occurrence in the future. Be careful about the composition of the foods you consume and monitor your health so that nut allergies do not cause serious complications.