Almonds, apples and plums belong to the same family and can cause similar allergic reactions. They are also linked to allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, and can be worse during the pollen season. Symptoms are sometimes described as oral allergy syndrome and range from mild irritations to a more serious reaction. According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, tree nuts, including almonds, are one of the leading causes of fatal or near-fatal food reactions in the United States.
Causes
Although almonds are usually classified as tree nuts, they belong to the Rosaceae family, which also includes apples, pears, peaches, plums and apricots. If you're allergic, your body reacts to a protein, or profilin, which is also found in tree pollen. Your immune system produces immunoglobulin E, an antibody and histamine which causes the symptoms. With no cure, these allergies usually last for life.
Symptoms
Symptoms of oral allergy syndrome usually occur soon after eating or touching almonds, apples or plums. They include an itchy, tingly mouth, lips and throat and swelling of the lips and tongue. You might also have watery, itchy eyes, a runny nose and sneezing or a rash where you touched the food. Some people have more serious symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, cramps and diarrhea. In rare cases, you may experience anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that includes swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing and a rapid, weak pulse. This requires immediate medical attention.
Tests And Diagnosis
If you think you have an allergy, talk to your doctor. Be prepared to describe your symptoms and keep a food diary, noting any adverse reactions. You might be asked to try an elimination diet to identify problem foods or take a skin or blood test. During a skin test, your skin is pricked, allowing a tiny amount of the allergen below the surface. If you're allergic, a rash will develop. In a blood test, a sample is tested for the presence of antibodies, your body's reaction to allergens.
Treatment
If you have only a mild reaction, prescription or over-the-counter antihistamines will help relieve the symptoms. Allergy shots can also help if your allergy is linked to hay fever. If you have a severe, anaphylactic reaction, you need an immediate injection of epinephrine. Your doctor will usually prescribe an epinephrine autoinjector, which you can inject into your thigh. Carry it with you at all times, and make sure your family and friends know how to use it. After use, go directly to the emergency room.
Prevention
The best way to prevent a reaction is to avoid almonds completely. Check ingredient labels carefully, and ask detailed questions when eating out. Almond extracts and oils can be used in lotions and shampoos. You should avoid raw apples and plums, but you might find you can eat them if they're cooked, processed or dried due to the fact that this alters the proteins. Microwaving them briefly to a temperature of 176 to 194 degrees Fahrenheit can allow you to eat them. If you only have mild symptoms, try peeling fruit; most of the allergens are in the skin. If you don't eat plums and apples, make sure you eat plenty of other fruits and vegetables.
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