If you notice that every spring you develop excessive sneezing, a runny nose and watery eyes, you most likely have allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever. Allergic rhinitis is an upper respiratory allergic reaction to airborne pollen, mold, dust and animal dander. During the spring, when mold spores and pollen counts are at their annual high, you may develop common symptoms of hay fever. In some cases an allergy to nuts can trigger similar symptoms to allergic rhinitis. Eating nuts may also trigger nasal symptoms as a result of a condition called oral allergy syndrome.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis causes inflammation, swelling and itching to various parts of your upper respiratory system. The symptoms are the result of increased levels of histamine produced in the sinuses, eyes and throat. Histamine is a naturally occurring substance in the body that protects against infections. During an allergic reaction, too much histamine causes inflammation in soft tissue. This reaction can lead to a runny nose, itching in the throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, postnasal drip and itchy eyes.
Nut Allergy
Tree nuts are a common food allergen that can cause symptoms that are similar to allergic rhinitis. An allergic reaction to tree nuts is identifiable by rhinitis symptoms along with symptoms in different parts of the body. Along with sinus complications, an allergic reaction to nuts will cause inflammation in the skin, leading to eczema, hives and general skin itching. You may also develop shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness. Digestive complications to a nut allergy include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, stomach pain and cramping. A nut allergy may lead to a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a whole body reaction that could lead to death.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
Oral allergy syndrome is an allergic condition that's triggered by eating certain foods if you have allergic rhinitis. This condition is caused by cross-reactivity between the proteins in certain fruits, vegetables and nuts and specific pollen. For example, if you're allergic to alder pollen, eating hazelnuts and almonds may trigger an allergic reaction. Oral allergy syndrome commonly causes symptoms primarily in the throat and mouth, but can cause similar symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Consideration
If you develop allergic rhinitis symptoms every time you consume nuts, you should undergo allergy testing to diagnose your condition. If you are diagnosed with a nut allergy, you will need to eliminate all nuts from your diet. If you fail to avoid the consumption of nuts, you are at risk of developing anaphylaxis.
