Nut allergy

Nut allergy is a type of food allergy characterized by an overreaction of the body's immune system to the proteins found in nuts. This reaction can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, can be life-threatening. Nut allergies are most commonly associated with tree nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews, but can also include reactions to peanuts, which are technically legumes.

Causes

Nut allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to proteins found in nuts. The immune system mistakenly identifies these proteins as harmful and triggers an allergic reaction. The exact cause of this overreaction is not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a nut allergy can vary widely in severity and can occur within minutes to hours after consuming nuts. Common symptoms include hives, itching, swelling, wheezing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea or vomiting. In severe cases, a nut allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a nut allergy typically involves a detailed medical history, a physical examination, and allergy testing. Allergy testing may include a skin prick test, in which a small amount of the allergen is applied to the skin using a tiny needle, or a blood test to measure the amount of specific antibodies in the blood.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for nut allergies, and the main treatment is avoidance of nuts and products containing nuts. Individuals with a nut allergy should also carry an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen) at all times in case of accidental exposure. In the event of a severe allergic reaction, immediate medical attention is necessary.

See also

• Food allergy
• Anaphylaxis
• Epinephrine autoinjector