Tree Nut Allergy Treatment Options

Tree nuts are among the most common causes of allergic reactions. Tree nut allergies are closely associated with anaphylaxis, a very severe allergic reaction, making it crucial that you seek guidance from an experienced allergist. From one of our clinics in the Atlanta area, our doctors can offer effective food allergy treatment options.

Common tree nuts include almond, walnut, pistachio, cashew, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts. Adults and children can bothsuffer from this type of allergy, and reactions can vary from mild all the way to life-threatening in the most severe cases.

What Are Your Tree Nut Allergy Treatment Options?

Diagnosis and Avoidance

Patients may be allergic to a specific type of nut, though it is likely that multiple tree nuts will cause reactions. Our doctors can use a skin prick or a blood test to diagnose an allergy, assessing how you react to small amounts of an allergen. With an accurate diagnosis, you can adjust your diet to avoid consuming any products containing allergens.

Tree Nut Desensitization

A newer approach to allergy treatment is called oral immunotherapy. This approach can be applied to a tree nut allergy, thus reducing the risk of an allergic reaction. Over a period of months, patients receive small doses of an allergen to desensitize their immune system to its presence. The doctor monitor the reaction to these gradually increasing doses, ensuring you are responding positively.

The process may take 6–12 months to complete, with ongoing periodic doses required to maintain effectiveness. While tree nut desensitization is not a cure, it can reduce the chances of a serious reaction to tree nut consumption.

Symptoms of a Tree Nut Allergy

If you have experienced one or more of the following symptoms after consuming tree nuts, it is important to make an appointment with your allergist.

• Itchy mouth, throat, or face
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Runny nose
• Skin rash or bumps
• Swollen lips

Severe conditions like anaphylaxis require immediate medical attention, as it could be life-threatening.

Common Tree Nut Allergy Treatment Questions

Can you develop tree nuts allergies later in life?

Tree nut allergies usually start in childhood, but some adults experience it later in life.

Will my child outgrow their tree nut allergy?

Only a minority of children will outgrow their allergy, but yes, some will. Working with an allergist experienced in oral immunotherapy treatment can reduce the impact of tree nut allergy on a child’s everyday life.

Can I be allergic to only one type of nut?

It is possible to be allergic to just one type of nut. However, tree nuts are closely related, making it likely that multiple types of nuts will cause a reaction. It is advised that you avoid all tree nuts if you experience an allergic reaction.

Start Dealing With Your Tree Nut Allergy Today

Are you concerned about a tree nut allergy? Make an appointment with Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth or Johns Creek. Call us at 678-668-4688.