A nut allergy occurs when the body identifies a nut as a harmful invader and stimulates an immune response to rid the body of the allergen. Nut allergies are one of the most common types of food allergies and can be caused by ingesting any type of nut, including almonds, walnuts or cashews. Nut allergy symptoms typically develop within several minutes after eating a nut-containing food. Depending on the severity of your nut allergy, nut allergy symptoms may require emergency medical attention.
Stomach Upset
The most common symptom associated with a nut allergy is an upset stomach. If you have a nut allergy, you can experience stomach pain, nausea or vomiting after eating a nut. You could also develop diarrhea, which can cause the frequent excretion of watery or loose stools.
Hives
If you have a nut allergy, you can develop a skin reaction after eating or handling a food product that contains nuts. A nut allergy can cause red, inflamed welts to develop on the skin of your hands or across your body, a condition called hives. These skin lesions can become swollen or itchy and can appear dry or flaky. After eating a nut product, you can also develop an itching sensation around or in your mouth.
Runny Nose
An allergy to nuts can cause certain people to develop nasal congestion after ingesting a nut. Your nose can become runny or itchy as a result of your allergy. You may begin to sneeze or frequently need to blow your nose due to this condition.
Wheezing
Breathing difficulties can also develop if you have a nut allergy and eat a nut-containing food item. Symptoms can include wheezing or shortness of breath, the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital at the University of Michigan explains. If you have asthma in addition to a nut allergy, eating nuts can induce an asthma attack.
Increased Heartbeat
After eating a food that contains nuts, you can experience an increased heartbeat if you have a nut allergy. You can feel as though your heart is racing, which can cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Anaphylactic Reaction
If you have a severe nut allergy, you could develop a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction include low blood pressure, swelling of the throat or tongue, severe difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking or loss of consciousness. If you develop any of these symptoms after eating a nut, seek emergency medical care immediately. Anaphylaxis can be fatal if left untreated.
