What Is the Best Treatment for a Tree Nut Allergy?
Tree nuts are one of the foods most likely to cause a severe allergic reaction. Sadly, with limited numbers of Atlanta allergists offering a solution like oral immunotherapy, most people are left to face the risk of anaphylaxis. But as awareness of treatment options grows, more allergy sufferers are seeking out ways to live without fear of their allergies. So, what treatments are most effective for a tree nut allergy?
How Do You Treat Tree Nut Allergies?
Avoidance
If you experience a reaction to eating a tree nut, it’s important to practice avoidance until you have had a consultation with an allergist. There are many types of tree nuts, and you could be allergic to just one or to many. Even peanuts, which technically are legumes and not nuts, can cause problems. Around 25 to 40 percent of people with peanut allergies are also allergic to at least one tree nut.
The most common tree nuts are almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews and pistachios. However, there are many products containing traces of nuts that aren’t immediately obvious. Desserts, beverages, cookies, sauces, cereal and even soaps require caution.
Oral Immunotherapy Treatment
If you are allergic to tree nuts, the chances of outgrowing your allergy are small. But there are still options beyond simple avoidance. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a process that helps people build up a tolerance to an allergen over time. Patients consume small amounts of an allergen over a period of months, with dose levels increasing as the immune system becomes desensitized.
Again, OIT is an ongoing process of desensitization, but the moderate allergen intake ensures that chances of a reaction are minimal. Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center has many success stories from patients who have gotten their allergies under control after completing the process. And while oral immunotherapy is not a cure, it can allow individuals to consume tree nuts and experience no symptoms of an allergic reaction.
How Is a Tree Nut Allergy Diagnosed?
If you are showing symptoms of a tree nut allergy, food allergy testing will precisely confirm the nature of your allergy. A skin prick test is a fast and painless allergy test, but blood tests are also used. In a case where these tests are inconclusive, your allergist will perform an oral food challenge test. While this type of test takes longer, the results should provide a clear diagnosis.
Get Effective Treatment for a Tree Nut Allergy
Tree nut allergies are among the most dangerous allergies, carrying the potential for anaphylaxis. When you are concerned about a tree nut allergy, it’s important to make an appointment with Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center. We have food allergy treatment center locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Request an appointment online or by calling us at (678) 668-4688.
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