Nuts can be a tasty and healthy snack. But for those who are allergic, they can cause quite a bit of trouble.
Here are four things parents should know about this common food allergy.
Written by: Miami Children’s Hospital
Nuts are one of the most common allergy-causing foods, affecting over 20 million people in the U.S. And many studies show that these numbers are steadily increasing,” said Dr. Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo, Director of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Miami Children’s Hospital. “While the exact cause of these type of allergies is still unknown, allergic reactions happen as a result of the immune system overreacting to proteins in this type of food, treating them as harmful invaders and fighting them with antibodies that release chemicals into the body.”
Symptoms Vary With Each Child
Allergic reactions to nuts are different in each individual, and can even be different with each encounter with the allergen. “The release of antibodies in response to a nut allergy can affect a child in many different ways, from the gastrointestinal tract and skin, to the lungs and cardiovascular system,” explained Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo. As a result, symptoms can range from hives and coughing, to stomachache or vomiting.
Nut Allergies Can Be Life Threatening
Allergies to nuts generally cause mild reactions in children, though in some cases, it can result in a severe reaction called anaphylaxis, particularly in those children with a severe allergy to peanuts. Anaphylaxis can cause symptoms such as trouble breathing, fainting, and if not treated, can result in death.
An Allergist Can Best Diagnose a Nut Allergy
If you suspect your child may have a nut allergy, talk to your pediatrician. He or she can determine if your child could benefit from seeing an allergist.
An allergy specialist will likely ask you questions about your family history of allergy-related conditions such as eczema or asthma, as well as what type of symptoms your child experiences when exposed to certain nuts. The allergist may also choose to order tests as a way to see how your child’s body reacts to an extremely small amount of the nut they may be allergic to.
“It’s important to remember that if your child has a nut allergy, even exposure to a small amount of a potential allergen could lead to anaphylaxis, and you should never try exposure to nuts at home,” noted Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo.
Prevention is Key
If your child is diagnosed with a nut allergy, make sure you investigate items that may contain nuts, including certain cookies, candy, ice cream and certain sauces before keeping them in your home. Peanuts are also known by many other local names, including earth nuts, ground nuts, goober peas, monkey nuts, pygmy nuts and pig nuts, so make sure you read labels thoroughly. You should also talk to family members, friends, as well as your child’s teachers and coaches so that everyone can practice caution with certain foods around your child. Also be sure to inform servers at restaurants so that they can exercise precautions and keep your child’s food away from dishes that may contain nuts.
“When your child has a nut allergy, the most important thing to remember is to have an emergency plan,” said Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo. “Keeping an epinephrine auto-injector available at all times can help ease symptoms of severe allergic reactions. You should also designate someone to administer the shot in your absence. The auto-injector should be available wherever the child is. ”
For more information, visit mch.com