As one of the nine major food allergens, tree nut allergies cause significant health concerns for many Atlanta adults and children. Unfortunately, an allergy to tree nuts will rarely resolve with age; however, tree nut allergy treatments can offer reliable approaches to managing this condition, ranging from careful avoidance to allergen desensitization. If you experience any concerning symptoms after eating tree nuts, you should speak with your allergist as soon as possible. But what are the common symptoms people should watch for?
What Are the Signs You Have a Tree Nut Allergy?
Tree nuts (such as almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts) can trigger various symptoms ranging from mild to severe. While the signs of a reaction can vary, they typically involve many of the following responses.
Skin-Related Symptoms
Tree nut allergies commonly trigger skin reactions, with hives being one of the earliest visible signs. These raised red welts typically appear shortly after exposure and can be accompanied by itching – often starting in one area before spreading across larger portions of the body. Swelling is another frequent reaction, particularly affecting the lips, tongue and face.
Respiratory Issues
After consuming tree nuts an allergic person may experience breathing difficulties. Nasal congestion, runny nose and frequent sneezing are some of the common initial symptoms. More concerning reactions include wheezing and shortness of breath caused by constricted airways. These respiratory symptoms can be managed with proven tree nut allergy treatments like allergy medications and epinephrine.
Stomach Pains and Digestive Issues
Abdominal pain and discomfort typically appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming tree nuts, though symptoms can start as quickly as a few minutes after exposure. As the body reacts to the allergen a person may experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The severity of these digestive symptoms will vary from one person to the next.
Lightheadedness
An allergic reaction to tree nuts could also cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness and lightheadedness. Some individuals may feel weak or disoriented, and could faint in severe cases. Feelings of dizziness might occur alongside other allergic reaction symptoms, and may get worse during physical activity.
Severe Allergic Reactions
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction that includes a rapid pulse rate, a substantial drop in blood pressure and severe breathing difficulties. While this type of reaction is rare, it can lead to collapse and loss of consciousness. When a person experiences these symptoms it is vital to get immediate medical assistance. Using an epinephrine auto-injector in such circumstances can be life-saving. If you have experienced such a reaction to nuts, your allergist can perform food allergy testing to diagnose the tree nut allergy and develop a custom treatment plan.
Find Relief From Tree Nut Allergy Symptoms
If you’re experiencing the common symptoms of a tree nut allergy, talk to our team today. We provide comprehensive food allergy testing and treatment services at locations across Atlanta. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
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