Nut Allergy Symptoms
Nut allergy is considered one of the most common form among food allergies, especially in children. Even though, nut allergy can develop at any age, it is a problem, which is predominantly found in children. Most of the affected persons may have developed this condition at a very young age - before the age of three.
Nut allergy usually denotes tree nuts (Brazils, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts, macadamias, pistachios and pecans) allergy, but include peanuts (groundnuts) too. This is because of the fact that the proteins in peanuts are similar in structure to the proteins in tree nuts, which are common types of edible nuts. Even though, peanuts come under the category of legumes and not nuts, allergic reactions to both tree nuts and peanuts are almost the same.
It has also been observed that a person with nut allergy may or may not react to peanuts and vice versa. It can also happen that people, who are allergic to one tree nut, may exhibit allergic reactions to other types of nuts. While, almonds are considered the safest among tree nuts, reports of allergic reactions to walnuts and cashews are very common.
Symptoms
Nuts are rich in nutrients and have various health benefits. But, the same nuts, which are considered to be healthy and beneficial for humans, can prove to be harmful for some people. They develop allergic reactions, ranging from mild to severe, if they consume nuts or foods with nuts. Even the smell of some nuts or direct skin contact may trigger allergic reactions in some people. This happens, when the immune system mistakenly identifies a substance as harmful to the body and produces antibodies against the proteins in that substance. Such antibodies, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE), releases chemicals like histamines to fight these proteins. These chemicals, including histamine, affect the bodily systems, especially, the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and cardiovascular system. This results in symptoms like itchy hives and rashes on skin, wheezing, stomach pain and vomiting. Nut allergy symptoms may vary from one person to another and even the same person may exhibit different symptoms at different times. While some people reacts severely, some others may show only mild symptoms.
Mild Symptoms: The symptoms of nut allergy may start within a few minutes of consuming nuts. The most common symptoms that are considered milder ones are itchy and watery eyes, skin rash, sneezing, runny nose, shortness of breath, tingling of lips and tongue, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. While these symptoms may subside within some time, it can also worsen and lead to more severe symptoms.
Severe Symptoms: Some people, who are allergic to nuts, may experience symptoms, like, swelling of the lips, tongue and face. The affected person may face breathing trouble, as the throat too swells. Dizziness is another severe nut allergy symptom. These symptoms may lead to a more life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis, wherein, the airways get swollen, leading to severe breathing trouble, drop in blood pressure, increased heart rate, shock and loss of consciousness. This condition warrants immediate medical attention.
Cashew Nut Allergy: Cashew nuts and walnuts are the most common causes of nut allergies. Likewise, allergy symptoms related to these nuts can be more severe and fatal. Even though, allergic reactions like rash and swelling are common to cashew nut allergies too, it has also been observed that severe reactions, like anaphylaxis is more commonly seen in this type of tree nut allergy.
Peanut Allergy: Even though, peanut is not a nut, but a legume, it has some proteins, which are similar in structure to the proteins in tree nuts. Hence, the symptoms of peanut allergy are also almost similar. However, it has been observed that such symptoms can be more severe, as compared to the symptoms of tree nut allergies. According to health experts, the immune system can identify peanut proteins easily, as compared to the proteins in tree nuts. Even breathing minute particles of peanuts can trigger severe allergic reactions, while the same amount of tree nuts may not cause such reactions.
While some people outgrow nut allergies with age, for others it is a lifelong condition. Hence, it is always better to avoid nuts, peanuts and the other food products with nuts as ingredients. Apart from consumption of nuts, the affected people must also avoid any contact with nuts, which may also cause allergic reactions. It may also happen that a person with allergy to a particular type of nut, may develop nut allergy symptoms to a certain group of nuts only. However, to be on the safer side, avoid any nut or nut products, including peanuts. If you experience any nut allergy symptom, contact your doctor immediately.
