If you develop stomach pain shortly after eating almonds, you most likely have an allergy to almonds. Almonds are considered a tree nut, which affects an estimated 1.8 million Americans, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. An allergic reaction to almonds can cause minor to severe stomach pain, accompanied by other symptoms. If you suspect that you're allergic to almonds, talk with your doctor about participating in allergy testing for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
Almond Allergy
An almond allergy occurs when your immune system identifies the proteins in almonds as harmful, although they actually are safe. The malfunction of the immune system causes a reaction in the body that creates immunoglobulin E, or IgE antibodies, which attempt to fight off the almond proteins, according to Kids Health. The introduction of IgE antibodies in the bloodstream causes a chemical chain reaction in the body resulting in the production of histamine. Histamine is the chemical primarily responsible for almond allergy symptoms.
Stomach Pain
Stomach pain can develop from a few minutes to an hour after eating almonds, according to MayoClinic.com. Mast cells in the soft tissue of the intestines produce an excessive amount of histamine, which leads to inflammation and irritation. Inflammation causes the intestines to swell and produce stomach pain associated with cramping and discomfort. The stomach pain also can be accompanied by gas, bloating, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.
Other Symptoms
If the stomach pain is the result of an allergic reaction, you will develop other symptoms associated with an almond allergy, including respiratory issues and skin reactions, according to Kids Health. Common respiratory symptoms associated with an almond allergy include nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. Skin reactions can include general itching or inflammation, eczema or hives.
Considerations
Other conditions can cause pain after eating almonds but are less likely. If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease, you can experience stomach pain after eating certain nuts. Although unlikely, you might have an intolerance to certain nuts. An intolerance is different from a food allergy because it's the digestive system's inability to properly break down the proteins in nuts.
Warning
The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network states that tree nut allergies commonly are associated with anaphylactic shock, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction. If you develop hives, swelling in your mouth, lips or face and feel dizzy, call your doctor immediately.
