Walnut Allergy
Walnut allergy is a type of tree nut allergy and is quite common. People who have allergy to walnut may or may not be allergic to other nuts. Like other types of food allergies, walnut is also caused by a hypersensitive immune system. People usually develop allergy to walnuts in their childhood. However, it is also possible to develop this allergy at some later stages of life. Allergy to walnuts can produce several symptoms, which are discussed below along with the causes, risk factors and treatment for this condition.
Causes and Risk Factors for Walnut Allergy
As has been mentioned already, allergies, whether environmental allergy or food allergy are associated with a hypersensitive immune system. In the case of food allergies, the immune system mistakenly recognizes the particular food or a substance present in it as a foreign invading particle and hence, trigger the production of antibodies and chemicals like, histamine to destroy it. Histamine is mainly responsible for producing the characteristic signs and symptoms of allergic reaction. This allergy is caused when the immune system produces an allergic reaction in response to a protein found in the nut. A family history of allergy including, food allergy is the most important risk factor for this nut allergy.
Walnut Allergy Symptoms
Both adults and children can have allergy to walnuts. However, its more common in children. This food allergy can manifest in skin symptoms, as well as respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to walnut can be mild or serious. In general, one can observe the following symptoms that can develop immediately or within a few hours after consuming walnuts. These symptoms are:
- Itching and hives
- Unusual swelling of the mouth, tongue or the lips
- Watery eyes
- Itching eyes
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Coughing
- Nasal congestion
- Difficulty in breathing
- Wheezing
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Indigestion and diarrhea
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Loss of consciousness
Walnut Allergy Treatment
It is usually diagnosed with the help of a blood test and skin prick test. The best way to prevent this allergy is to avoid walnuts and any food and product that contains it. As far as the treatment is concerned, antihistamines can be used for the allergy relief, if the allergic reaction produces symptoms like, itching, hives and allergic rhinitis. However, antihistamines cannot relieve the symptoms of asthma. For treating asthma, physicians usually recommend bronchodilators. For severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, adrenaline injections are used.
Prevention and management of this allergy is possible with the complete avoidance of any product that contain this nut. So, people having this nut allergy should check the ingredients of various products before making purchases. Many times, people having this allergy can have allergies to other types of tree nuts like, almonds, cashews and pecans as well. Therefore, it is better to talk to your physician to find out whether you have allergy to only walnuts or the other types of tree nuts as well. The signs and symptoms of this allergy can be mild at times, but they should never be neglected. Even the mild symptoms of allergic reaction should be properly evaluated with the help of a physician to prevent serious allergic reactions in future.
