Know The Symptoms And Causes Of Tree Nut Allergy, Can It Be Completely Cured?

Illustration of symptoms, causes, and explanation of whether peanut allergy can be cured (Freepik)

YOGYAKARTA – Food allergy is the most important condition to identify. Because food is a source of nutrients that the body needs, someone with certain allergies must know what food allergies are experienced. One of the most common allergies is tree nut allergies.

In the United States, tree nut allergies affect 0.5-1 percent of the population. So, what are the types of tree nuts? Tree nuts are different from peanuts. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, tree nuts include almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts.

Tree nut allergies are usually lifelong. Because only less than 10 percent of people with this allergy can handle it. Departing from this, it is necessary to distinguish between peanuts and peas. Although peas are not beans, still between 25 percent and 40 percent of individuals react to one of the tree nuts. The best way to manage it, is to see an allergist so that you get the most appropriate recommendations.

Illustration of types of nuts and identify symptoms, causes, and explanations of whether peanut allergies can be cured (Freepik/Kamran Aydinov)

Symptoms of tree nut allergy, can be recognized when experiencing stomach pain, cramps, nausea, and vomiting and diarrhea after eating tree nuts. In addition, someone with this allergy is also accompanied by symptoms of difficulty swallowing, itching in the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis.

Tree nut allergies can cause a life-threatening reaction, meaning an accurate diagnosis is essential. The allergist will ask about your medical history and previous allergic reactions. Including a family history of allergies. The test is generally a skin prick and/or blood test to determine allergen-specific immunoglobulin E. If the test is inconclusive, the allergist will check for allergies based on an oral food challenge. In this test, a patient will be fed a small amount of the suspected allergen in increasing doses over a period of time.

When a food allergen has been found, the patient needs to avoid any food products that contain allergens. In fact, it is also necessary to avoid skincare products or other daily care products.

Can a nut allergy be able to eat other types of nuts? Because more accurate tests are needed, it doesn't have to be experienced by everyone who has tree allergies. That is, someone who is allergic to peanuts can be allergic to tree nuts but it can also vary from patient to patient. Generally, individuals who are allergic to tree nuts can still eat whole grains, such as sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds. They also usually tolerate macadamia nuts and pine nuts which are also seeds.

Tree nut allergy, usually begins in childhood and continues throughout life. The reason, launched the Mayo Clinic, peanut allergy is experienced when the immune system mistakenly identifies peanut protein as something harmful to the body.