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Nut Allergies

An allergy is a reaction within our body to a particular substance; allergies can give symptoms of itchy eyes, runny noses and skin rashes. Extreme allergic reactions may be fatal. In this article we will deal with Nut allergies which can cause breathing difficulties and serious health problems. Peanuts are not actually nuts but may cause similar reactions to nuts in an allergic person. It is suggested that if your family have a history of allergies such as asthma, eczema and hay fever you should delay the introduction of peanuts and nuts to your young baby/child's diet for as long as possible.

How is the Allergy Diagnosed?
Unfortunately you will not know you have an allergy until you suffer a reaction. If you suffer from any of the symptoms listed below you should see your doctor immediately. Your Doctor will refer to you to an allergy specialist who will try to determine exactly what you are having an allergic reaction to. Your family history of allergic conditions such as asthma may determine why you have allergies. The allergist may do a skin test where they place on your skin a small amount of nut to check your skin's reaction; blood samples may also be taken.

Reaction Symptoms
A reaction may occur immediately or after a few hours of an allergic person eating a nut or peanut. The reaction to the nut in the body causes it to release chemicals into the bloodstream, one of the chemicals is histamine which causes symptoms in the eyes, nose, throat, lungs and skin.
Depending on the severity of the body's reaction to the nuts the person may feel tightness of the throat, shortness of breath, sickness and stomach pain.

In extremely sever cases the victim suffers from anaphylaxis; this can mean the sufferer will experience skin irritation, breathing problems and digestion problems simultaneously. Their breathing tubes will narrow and the tongue may may swell whilst their blood pressure may drop.

How do you treat your allergy?
There are no special treatments for nut allergies and they will not go away. The only way to treat the allergy is to avoid foods that contain nuts, this of course is easier said than done. Many products contain traces of nut and people with severe allergies can be affected by these foods; always read the packaging on food products carefully. Always let people know about your allergies, do not feel embarrassed. Tell friends, restaurants, schools and family before they prepare or serve you any food.

In an Emergency
If your child suffers a severe allergic reaction to nuts or peanuts for the first time do not hesitate to call an ambulance or rush them to your hospital.

If you have been diagnosed with a severe allergic nut reaction then your doctor will recommend that you carry a small dose of epinephrine with you. This small injection will need to be administered by yourself or someone with you in the case of a severe allergic reaction, you should then immediately visit a hospital.

NOTE:
The health section of Parenting.co.uk is not to be used as a substitute for your GP; if your child is ill then seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay.

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