A tree nut allergy is a common food-related allergy, affecting about 1.8 million Americans, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. A tree nut allergy can cause mild to severe allergic reactions, depending on how the allergy affects your immune system. Tree nuts are one of the most common food allergies with a greater risk of causing anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock causes the body to produce excessive amounts of histamine, which sends the body into a state of shock. This type of severe allergic reaction can lead to death if not properly treated. The most effective way to treat a tree nut allergy is to avoid all food products that contain tree nuts, according to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Common Tree Nuts
The most obvious foods to avoid with a tree nut allergy are foods that contain tree nuts. Tree nuts are considered any nut that grows on a tree, including Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, hickory nuts, filberts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, pecans and chestnuts, according to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. If you have a question about a certain nut, talk with your doctor before ingesting it. These nuts have similar proteins that cause the immune system to overreact. The immune system mistakes the proteins as a harmful substance and begins to defend the body with antibodies and histamine. This chemical reaction in the body causes common food allergy symptoms, such as nasal congestion, hives and shortness of breath.
Nut Byproducts
Nut byproducts are found in more products than you may think. According to the Food Allergy Initiative, nut byproducts may be found in cookies, candy, frozen desserts, barbecue sauces, cold cuts, cereals, flavored coffee and crackers. The FDA requires that all food manufacturers disclose the use of nut byproducts in the food. Read the labels clearly to identify the hidden tree nut ingredients. When eating out, always tell your server that you have a tree nut allergy to avoid accidentally ingesting tree nuts.
Peanuts
Although peanuts are not considered a nut but a legume, Kids Health recommends avoiding consuming peanuts if you have a tree nut allergy. There is a link between the proteins found in tree nuts, and peanuts that can trigger an allergic reaction. If you accidentally eat peanuts, call you doctor right away. If you know you are severely allergic to tree nuts, carry an epinephrine pen. If you begin having allergy symptoms after eating peanuts, use the epinephrine injection and call your doctor.
Member Comments