For many reasons, nut allergy is in some way distinct from peanut allergy. The latter belongs to the family of legumes (beans) and is not qualified to be a true nut. Nut allergy pertains to allergies from tree nuts. But one thing is for sure—both allergic resposnes have the tendency to become severe.

Mechanism of the allergic reaction

Different tree nuts yield different proteins. However, cross reactivity between nut varieties says otherwise. Cross reaction indicates that a certain protein is similarly found in a range of foods such as the case of pistachio and cashew, and walnut and pecan, although not always necessary. These proteins have the capacity to become allergenic to some sensitive people, and trigger the release of histamine and other chemical mediators of inflammation in an attempt to defend the body from perceived threat. The release of these chemicals causes the following symptoms:

• hives
• swelling around the mouth
• warmth
• nausea and vomiting
• abdominal cramps
• diarrhea
• lightheadedness

Tree nuts allergies are also strongly associated with anaphylaxis.

What your Doctor can do for you

Diagnosis usually includes skin and blood tests. Once these tests reveal that a person is allergic, the patient will be advised to avoid tree nuts, and other products that might be contaminated with nut particles. For major symptoms, the person may be prescribed with epinephrine.

What you can do

Living with nut allergies is not easy. A number of products in the market might contain nuts. Avoidance of tree nuts employs the same measures as with peanut and other food allergy.

• Awareness of nut varieties.

Knowledge on the cause of tree nut allergies is very important. The following are examples of tree nuts: almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, filberts, hazelnuts, hickory nuts, macadamia, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts. Food products that usually contain these tree nuts are: flavored coffee drinks, chocolate bars, cereals, crackers, cookies, baked products, desserts, barbeque sauces and marinades, ice creams, Asian dishes, and some candies.

• Read the label.

Read not only on food labels and packaging, most stores and restaurants also place a label on the menu whether the dish contains peanuts and common allergens.

• Children must be taught to avoid sharing lunch and food at school.
• There is no such thing as peanut or nut-free flight while on board commercial airlines as other passengers may bring in their own snacks. Thus, it is important to always bring your medicine, especially the emergency epinephrine kit with you.