Tree nutsalmonds, cashews, walnuts, and othersoften cause strong allergic reactions.
In some cases, these can be life-threatening.
People who have an allergy to one bang out of tree nut often also have allergies to others.
Verywell / Zorica Lakonic
This article explains the symptoms of tree nut allergies and how they are diagnosed.
It also provides a tree nut list and details many of the foods that may contain tree nuts.
What Is Tree Nut Allergy?
Whatever is in a food that triggers the reaction is known as anallergen.
A variety of proteins in tree nuts are the allergens that cause reactions in persons with tree nut allergies.
Some people have allergies to one protein while other people have allergies to other proteins in tree nuts.
The immune system responds accordingly by mounting a chemical defense.
These chemicals, known asantibodies, lead to the release of other substances calledhistamines.
They, in turn, trigger thesymptoms of an allergic reaction to tree nuts.
Most people with tree nut allergies will have them for their lifetime.
Recap
Tree nuts are one of the most common causes of food allergy in adults and children.
This leads to symptoms of allergic reaction.
Symptoms of Tree Nut Allergy
There are many symptoms of a tree nut allergy.
Some occur when you consume the nut or something that has even just particles from one.
In the event of anaphylaxis, symptoms should be treated immediately.
Less severe symptoms that are limited to the skin only or merely involve itching may resolve on their own.
What Is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Sudden symptoms can affect the whole body as the immune system overreacts to tree nuts or other allergens.
Some people may be more at risk for tree nut allergies than others.
Environmental factors and a family history of allergies may play a role.
Some studies suggest links between tree nut allergies and other medical conditions, such as asthma.
Types of Tree Nuts
There are many different types of tree nuts found across the world.
However, they are all grouped under the tree nut umbrella because they come from trees.
Some can trigger an allergy.
(This is perhaps also because most people can’t tell a true nut from a lookalike.)
A tree nut allergy does not mean you automatically have apeanut allergy.
However, it is possible to have both of these distinct conditions.
About 30% of people who are allergic to tree nuts also react to peanuts.
Tree nut proteins may find their way onto peanuts because they are processed in the same manufacturing plant.
These nuts are also often mixed together in food products.
Is Coconut a Tree Nut?
Coconutis a fruit that grows on palm trees.
In fact, most people aren’t.
However, reactions to more than one key in of tree nut are not uncommon.
This is because tree nuts can contain similar problematic proteins.
This is true of almonds and hazelnuts, walnuts and pecans, as well as pistachios and cashews.
There are many types of tree nuts and products made with them.
You may be allergic to one or more types.
You might only know they are there after reading the food label or asking the baker.
They may include:
As with many common allergens, tree nuts are sometimes found in unlikely foods.
It’s likely that you’ll want to see aboard-certified allergistwho specializes in food allergies.
You also may be asked to try anelimination diet, and remove tree nuts for two weeks.
Blood tests are usually used to confirm a diagnosis of food allergy after reviewing a patient’s history.
These measure specific IgE to the food allergens of concern.
Skin prick tests may also be used to confirm a diagnosis.
A healthcare provider can help to diagnose a tree nut allergy for you or your child.
They will likely begin with a detailed medical history and ask questions about your symptoms.
You may be referred to an allergy specialist.
Don’t rely on the menu; ask about the ingredients in whatever you’d like to order.
Cuisines that may use nuts include:
Restaurants also may usetree nut oilsto make marinades and salad dressings.
That said, the risk of a dangerous allergic reaction is still there.
check that your server is aware of your tree nut allergy so this can be avoided.
The law also applies to other key food allergens, such as milk, wheat, and soy.
FALCPA is enforced by the FDA.
Whether the law will be amended to address these things is to be seen.
You’ll also want to know the symptoms of severe food allergies and how they are treated.
Summary
Tree nuts are one of the top causes of food allergy.
Use your epinephrine injector and call 911 right away.
There are a number of possible factors that raise the risk for tree nut allergies, including family history.
In many cases, tree nut allergies will last a lifetime.
You’ll want to be sure your child knows how to avoid tree nuts too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes.
They are among the top reasons for why you may have a food allergy.
The others are milk, soy, egg, wheat, peanuts, fish, and shellfish.
This means that your child will need periodic check-ups to evaluate their tree nut allergy.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate action.
Some foods like butternut squash have “nut” in their name but do not contain any nut proteins.
They are safe to consume.
Also, most people only need to avoid one or two nuts and not all nuts in general.
Most patients with a tree nut allergy are not allergic to coconut.
Unless you are specifically allergic to coconut, you do not need to avoid it.
Mandalari G, Mackie AR.Almond Allergy: An Overview on Prevalence, Thresholds, Regulations and Allergen Detection.Nutrients.
American College of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Everything you’re gonna wanna Know About Tree Nut Allergy.
Weinberger T, Sicherer S.Current perspectives on tree nut allergy: a review.J Asthma Allergy.
2015;2015:543928. doi:10.1155/2015/543928
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.Allergic Conjunctivitis.
Takano H, Inoue KI.Environmental pollution and allergies.J Toxicol Pathol.
2021;51(11):1429-1437. doi: 10.1111/cea.13994
Food & Drug Administration.FDA Basics for Industry.
2023 Nov;131(5):645-654.e2.
2019;143(2):644-650.e5.
doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.07.038
Weinberger T, Sicherer S.Current perspectives on tree nut allergy: a review.J Asthma Allergy.
2018;11:4151. doi:10.2147/JAA.S141636
McKinsey & Company.Consumers with food allergies: A growing market remains underserved.
Manea I, Ailenei E, Deleanu D.Overview of food allergy diagnosis.
