Symptoms of a Nut Allergy
A nut allergy has the potential to be life threatening. It is, however, one of the most common allergies and usually appears during the first years of life. Experts at The Nemours Foundation say this allergic reaction happens when the body mistakenly thinks something that is not harmful, like peanuts, is harmful. In response, the body releases antibodies to fight off the protein (the peanuts). Those antibodies can affect a person's respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract and skin in the form of allergic symptoms.
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Symptoms
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Mayo Clinic experts say an allergic reaction to nuts usually happens within minutes of being exposed to them. Symptoms include skin reactions like hives, swelling and redness, itching around the mouth or throat, or a runny or stuffy nose. Diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting are also signs of a nut allergy reaction. There may also be tightness in the chest, wheezing or shortness of breath. In severe allergy cases, anaphylaxis occurs.
Anaphylaxis
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Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction and and should be considered a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis appear rapidly and can cause death. Signs of anaphylaxis include a rapid pulse, a dramatic drop in blood pressure, dizziness and difficulty breathing. Anaphylaxis is common with nut allergies. Anaphylaxis can only be treated with an EpiPen or Twinject. These injectors release epinephrine, key to the treatment of anaphylaxis.
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Causes
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An allergic response to nuts can be triggered if someone who has the allergy either eats nuts, unknowingly eats something with nuts in it, or inhales dust or aerosols that use nuts in them.
Risk Factors
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There is a high chance of having a nut allergy if allergies, especially food allergies, are common in the family. Also, if someone has had a peanut allergy in the past, they are at a higher risk of getting it again. Mayo Clinic experts say one in five children outgrow their nut allergies, but it can reoccur.
Treatment/Prevention
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Avoiding nuts is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction. Antihistamines may be able to help with some of the symptoms. Severe allergic reactions may require use of an EpiPen or Twinject. It is also important to tell childcare providers, schools and daycare centers of nut allergies in children to prevent a reaction due to snacks that may be provided there.
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