Tree-nut and peanut allergies are conditions in which the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies even small amounts of peanut or certain tree nuts as harmful. Allergic reactions to either are unpredictable in occurrence and in how they present, with some individuals experiencing severe reactions from even trace amounts. Note that a peanut is a legume and is not related to tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc.). An individual can be allergic to only one or the other or a variety of nuts.
Physical allergic symptoms can develop within seconds of exposure and may include skin reactions (e.g., hives, redness or swelling), digestive discomfort, or more dangerous reactions, such as constriction of the throat and airways, and loss of adequate blood flow to vital organs of the body.
Antihistamines and epinephrine can be used to treat allergic reactions, but severe reactions can be fatal even with appropriate, prompt treatment.
There is hope for individuals who suffer from severe food allergies. Previously, the only safe approach was strict avoidance, however thanks to a breakthrough treatment called Oral Immunotherapy, or OIT, the immune system can be re-trained to tolerate the allergen in about 85% of cases. OIT is a medical treatment guided by a board-certified allergist at Chestnut Hill Allergy & Asthma, with a payoff of freedom from food fear.
You can learn more about OIT in Dr. Segal’s article, “FDA approves first drug for treatment of peanut allergy for children.”
Tree Nuts Made in Dedicated Facilities
In some cases, a patient may be allergic to one tree nut and not another. The difficulty is identifying individual tree nuts that have not been cross-contaminated. Another circumstance in which finding safe, single-sourced tree nuts is important is when an oral challenge is scheduled.
To learn more, a helpful guide is Food Allergy New York’s Guide to Tree Nuts Made in Dedicated Facilities.