The symptoms of tree nut allergy can cause discomfort for highly sensitive individuals all over the world. Tree nuts are considered as an essential food source globally yet a common cause for food allergies.
There are various types of tree nuts and the cross-reactivity between them is high among those who have tree nut allergy. It is considered possible for an individual with an allergy to one tree nut to be able to eat another type, but a high percentage of individuals are allergic to more than a single type.
The difference of peanuts from tree nuts is that they are actually legumes. However, based on studies conducted, a percentage of individuals with peanut allergy are also allergic to at least one type of tree nut.
Close look on tree nut allergy
The signs and symptoms of tree nut allergy are similar with other food allergies although the symptoms are more severe. A diagnosis of tree nut allergy is also the same for other types of food allergies.
Avoidance of all types of tree nuts is a vital aspect in managing tree nut allergy along with antihistamines and injectable epinephrine. The allergy is not usually outgrown especially when the reactions are severe.
Walnuts
Walnuts are the common trigger for tree nut allergy particularly the English walnuts. Many individuals are highly sensitive to the walnut pollen which triggers allergic rhinitis, but this does not necessarily mean that the individual is also allergic to the tree nut.
The allergens of this tree nut are somewhat similar in structure to the allergens present in cashews, pecans, castor beans, Brazil nuts, mustard and cottonseed.
Cashews
This tree nut is the second most common cause of the allergy. The oil present in the nutshell of the nut can trigger contact dermatitis and related to the oil found in the leaves of poison oak and skin of mangoes.
The allergens are comparable in structure to macadamia nuts, palm oil, walnut, soybean and peas.
Hazelnut
Tree nut allergy to hazelnut is quite common among individuals in Europe. The pollen is a usual trigger for seasonal hay fever and those who are allergic to the pollen are at risk for food allergy to the tree nut itself.
Remember that hazelnut is also linked to birch pollen and those who have birch pollen allergy might suffer from oral allergy symptoms after consumption of hazelnuts.
Almonds
Almonds are quite popular yet a common cause for tree nut allergy. This tree nut is usually found in processed foods and are unexpected ingredients in granola bars, breakfast cereals and baked products.
Chestnuts
A reaction of this tree nut can occur among those who have allergy to latex and avocado due to the similar nature of the allergens. The oral allergy symptoms that occur after eating the nut can also be experienced by those who are allergic to apples, mugwort pollen and peaches.
Other tree nuts that are capable of triggering an allergic reaction among sensitive individuals include Brazil nuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, coconuts and pistachios.