Tree nuts, including almonds, are the second most common form of food allergies leading to a fatal reaction after peanuts, according to the Nemours Foundation. Not all reactions are so severe as to result in death; however, many individuals with an almond allergy exhibit a range of symptoms from mild to serious. Almond allergies are considered a lifelong problem, since there is no cure. People who are allergic to almonds should also take care if eating other tree nuts, since they may have, or develop, an allergic reaction to other nuts in addition to the almond allergy.
Mild Symptoms
Some people have a mild allergy to almonds. This may manifest itself in a variety of ways. Respiratory symptoms from a mild almond allergy include wheezing and difficulty breathing. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting may also occur. Other individuals may notice swelling or tingling around the mouth. Itchy skin rashes or hives may also arise, and these may occur whether the person has touched or eaten the allergy-causing almonds. The amount of almonds consumed may affect the severity of the reaction and how many symptoms appear. Some people may experience mild symptoms the first few times they eat almonds, but the symptoms become increasingly problematic with time. This may or may not lead to the development of a potentially fatal reaction.
Laryngospasm
According to Dr. Alan Greene, laryngospasm from a food allergy, such as an almond allergy, happens when the offending food causes swelling in the throat when swallowed. This swelling spreads to the vocal cords, which when swollen block the airway. As a result of this blockage, the individual becomes unable to breathe and can die without immediate medical treatment, generally in the form of a shot of epinephrine. In some people, the first exposure to almonds or other tree nuts sensitizes a vulnerable person to the disease, and they will then experience laryngospasm the second time they eat almonds.
Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylactic shock is another type of fatal reaction to almonds that can occur in some people. According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, in anaphylactic shock, the individual will first experience a tingling or itching sensation and may have a metallic taste in his mouth. After a period of time, ranging from a few minutes to about 2 hours, the person will experience more severe symptoms, which may include swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, low blood pressure and eventually a loss of consciousness and death. These may get worse progressively over a few hours, or may seem to get better and then return later to be fatal.
