Nut allergy is a very common medical condition among Americans. More than 1.8 million Americans experience some of the symptoms of this allergy. Although many people think that all nuts should be avoided; it's mainly tree nuts like, coconut, cashew, Brazil nut, pistachio, almond, hazelnut and walnut, that we should avoid. Peanut, however is not a tree nut, because this is a seed of a legume plant.
People suffering from nut allergies and members of their families should be aware, that nut allergy may be a very serious condition, and in some case even life threatening. Because of that, it is very important to know the cause of your allergy. In most cases, people allergic to cashews will experience similar reaction to pistachios, and those allergic to hazelnuts will react similarly to chestnuts and beechnuts. Pecans and walnuts also belong to the same family, as well as hickory nuts and filberts. Almonds, macadamia nuts and Brazilian nuts are not related to any other nut group. You should also remember that people allergic to peanuts are very likely sensitive to other nuts as well.
Symptoms of Nut Allergy
A person exposed to the nuts, can experience skin rash, hives, diarrhea or nasal congestion. Sometimes, these symptoms may be quite persistent, indicating the long term exposure to the nuts that provoke allergic reaction. If any signs or symptoms similar to just mentioned appear several hours after the consummation of some nuts, it might be a good idea to visit your doctor, because they could provoke even more severe symptoms.
When dealing with nut allergy you may experience, swelling of the tongue, throat problems, vomiting or hives can sometimes be symptoms of anaphylaxis, which is one of the most serious complications of an allergic reaction. If you experience these symptoms, call for immediate medical assistance.
Treatment and Caution Measures
Patients suffering from allergic reaction to nuts are treated with antihistamine medications, to relieve the rhinitis, hives or itching. Bronchodilators are useful for people suffering from asthma induced by nut allergy, while adrenaline injections are used in people experiencing anaphylactic shock.
Be aware of any negative reaction to nuts. Consult your doctor if nuts seem to provoke mild health problems. Many products contain “hidden” nuts, especially deserts, pesto sauces, cookies, candies, flavored coffees or sun lotions and shampoos. Read the labels extremely carefully if you are allergic to nuts, and avoid products containing even traces of this allergen for you.
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