Tree Nut Allergy

Tree nut allergy is categorized as food allergy. Tree nut allergic conditions are described as the hypersensitivity of people to dietary products from tree nuts, which result in an overreaction of their body's immune system. When this occurs mild to severe physical symptoms occur to those affected, some even result in death.

Affecting millions of people worldwide, tree nut allergy is often mistaken to peanut allergy. The difference of these two conditions is the cause of allergic reactions. While dried fruits cause tree nut allergy and there are many allergens causing peanut allergies of legumes. However the symptoms of these two conditions are alike, but a person with tree nut allergy is not necessarily allergic to peanuts and vice versa.

Tree nut products allergy mainly occurs in children but may also occur in adults. Just like other allergies, it is treated by avoiding the foods that came from the source of allergen - here, nut particles, oils and tree nuts. However in severe cases of tree nut allergies cause reaction called anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention and Epinephrine injections.

Tree nuts include all kinds of nuts that grow on trees like walnuts, pecan, pistachio, cashews, hazelnuts, filbert, hickory nuts, almonds, macadamia, beechnuts and chestnuts. Unfortunately allergies from these nut families are common and life threatening.

Since these nuts are usually found in candy bars, chocolates, drinks, cereals and other sweets that children love, it is important to be aware of what your child eats to identify if ever he or she experiences the symptoms of tree nut allergy.

Coping With Tree Nut Allergies

If you think something is wrong with your child then first check the symptoms of tree nut allergies to see if it has anything to do with what he or she consumed. Common symptoms of this condition include skin reactions like eczema, rashes, itching, swelling, inflammation and hives.

Tree nut allergies could also cause gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, stomach pains and diarrhea. Some severe cases experience nausea, rapid heartbeat, loss of breath, wheezing, running nose and itching around the areas of the mouth.

If your child experiences more than four of these above mentioned symptoms, consult your doctor immediately for appropriate treatment. While the doctor could give your child epinephrine injections, it can not cure the allergies for good.

The most effective way to avoid these allergies is through your child's diet. Make sure that all his or her snacks, meals, sweets and other food items do not include any of the contributing factors of tree nut allergy. Unlike parents you have to ensure to read labeling ingredients to find hidden nuts sources in a food item.