More than 3 million people in the United States are allergic to peanuts, tree nuts or both, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Allergies usually develop in children, and between 9 percent and 20 percent outgrow them. Most people have only mild to moderate symptoms, but anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction, occurs in roughly 20 percent of reactions, according to AAAAI. Because a mild allergy can get worse, take extra care and avoid all nuts.
Causes and Symptoms
An allergic reaction happens when your body overreacts to proteins found in peanuts and tree nuts. In response, your immune system produces immunoglobulin E, an antibody and histamine. This causes symptoms such as itching or tingling around your mouth and throat, shortness of breath, skin rashes and a runny or stuffy nose. You might also experience diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting.
Severe Reactions and Anaphylaxis
Even if you have only mild symptoms, it's important to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis. It's difficult to predict how serious your next reaction will be; it may depend on your sensitivity to nuts and the amount consumed. Researchers supported by the AAAAI studied 83 children with peanut allergies. According to their paper, published in the "Journal of Pediatrics" in 2000, 52 percent of subsequent reactions were life-threatening, regardless of the severity of previous reactions. If you or your child experiences swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and a weak rapid pulse, seek immediate medical attention.
Tests and Diagnosis
If you suspect you or your child has a nut allergy, talk with your doctor. You'll be asked to describe your symptoms and may be given a physical examination. You may also be asked to take a skin or blood test. In a skin test, your skin is pricked, allowing a tiny amount of allergen below the surface. If you're allergic, a rash will develop. In a blood test, a sample is analyzed for the presence of antibodies, your body's reaction to an allergen.
Treatment
You can treat a mild allergic reaction with prescribed or over-the-counter antihistamines. Take these after exposure to nuts, and they may help relieve the symptoms. If you're at risk of a more serious reaction, your doctor might prescribe an epinephrine injector. As prescribed, inject this into your thigh as soon as you experience severe symptoms. 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
Avoid all nuts to reduce your chances of an allergic reaction. Even if you're allergic to only a certain type of nut, there is still a risk of cross-contamination. Check food labels carefully, and remember that peanuts and peanut oil can be found in a wide range of products, such as cookies, candy and baked goods. Tree nut products, such as almond oil, can be used in lotions and shampoos. Always tell restaurant staff about your allergy, and ask detailed questions about ingredients and preparation. Some people can have a reaction simply by being exposed to nuts or touching someone who's eaten them. For this reason, many school cafeterias have now banned nuts.
References
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Allergy Statistics; 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Peanut Allergy: Causes; August 2011
- Cleveland Clinic: Special Diets For Food Allergies; 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Peanut Allergy Symptoms; August 2011
- "The Journal of Pediatrics": The natural history of peanut allergy in young children and its association with serum peanut-specific IgE; 2000
- MayoClinic.com: Food Allergy Tests And Diagnosis; February 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Food Allergy Treatments And Drugs; February 2011
