For centuries, Brazil-nut trees, also called Bertholletia excelsa, have grown wild in the Amazon Rainforest. The large crescent-shaped nuts from Brazil-nut trees produce allergy symptoms in many people. According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, an estimated 1.8 million Americans suffer from allergic reactions to tree nuts. These types of reactions are "among the leading causes of fatal and near-fatal reactions to foods," notes FAAN.
Common Symptoms of Brazil-Nut Allergy
An allergic reaction can range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually develop within just a few minutes, but they can appear up to two hours after eating Brazil nuts. According to Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms of a food allergy include tingling or itching in the mouth, hives or rash, and swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat. Brazil-nut allergies may produce wheezing, congestion or trouble breathing. It is also common to experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness during an allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis
A food allergy to tree nuts, such as Brazil nuts, can trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This condition requires emergency medical treatment. Symptoms of this severe reaction include constriction of the throat and airways, difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse and loss of consciousness.
About Tree Nuts
Your allergist may suggest testing to confirm your allergy to Brazil nuts. If your allergy is severe, you will need to completely avoid Brazil nuts and any foods that contain them. Study prepackaged food labels carefully. You may need to avoid other nuts as well, such as cashews, walnuts, peanuts and almonds. This is because similar equipment may be used to process Brazil nuts and other nuts.
Treatment Options
Allergic reactions are not curable, but sometimes children "outgrow" them. If you suspect that you suffer from a nut allergy, seek the advice of an allergist. The doctor can recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications to use in the event you ingest Brazil nuts. In the case of a mild reaction, an antihistamine medication may be helpful. For more serious reactions, your allergist may prescribe a rescue inhaler or an emergency injection that must be kept with you at all times.
