Do you have a tree nut allergy?

Has your child started to develop red, itchy rashes all over his body after eating a few cashews or almond biscuits? Or do you yourself feel a burning sensation in your mouth and throat, or a stomach ache after eating certain nuts? If you have experienced these things, you may also have a 'Tree Nut Allergy ', an allergy to certain nuts that grow on trees. Don't worry, we'll talk about everything in simple terms.

What is Tree Nut Allergy?

Simply put, a tree nut allergy is an overreaction of our immune system to certain proteins found in tree nuts (such as cashews, almonds, and walnuts). Our body views these proteins as if they were a big enemy. It then begins to fight against that enemy. As a result of this fight, we experience the symptoms of an allergy.

Even eating a small amount of these nuts, or even inhaling the powder, can cause this allergy. Peanuts are not a type of peanut, they are actually a legume, like beans and peas. Therefore, there are two types of allergies: one to peanuts and one to peanut seeds. However, there is a chance that someone who is allergic to peanuts may also be allergic to peanut seeds.

What are the symptoms? How can these be identified?

Symptoms of a peanut allergy can range from mild to severe, life-threatening. Just because you have mild symptoms once doesn't mean you will always have them. That's why it's important to be aware of this.

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that requires emergency medical treatment and can be life-threatening. If you experience any of these serious symptoms, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately.

Why does this allergy occur?

Some small proteins in papaya seeds are not easily destroyed by heating, cooking, or boiling. Some people's immune systems are very sensitive to these proteins. When these proteins enter the body, the immune system makes antibodies against them. When these antibodies and the protein in the seeds bind together, our body releases a chemical called histamine . This histamine is the main cause of allergy symptoms (such as itching, hives, and swelling).

Commonly allergenic peanuts:

• Almonds
• Cashews
• Walnuts
• Pistachios
• Hazelnuts
• Pecans
• Brazil nuts

How do you find this, Doctor?

If you suspect you have an allergy, see your doctor. He or she will ask you about your symptoms and whether anyone in your family has allergies. In addition, the following tests may be done:

1. Skin Prick Test: Here, a very small needle is used to make a small puncture on the skin of your hand, and a drop of a liquid protein from a type of bone is placed on it. If the area turns red and itches, it means that you are allergic to that type of bone.

2. Blood Test: A sample of your blood is taken and tested for specific antibodies related to an allergy.

3. Oral Food Challenge: This is done under the supervision of a doctor, only in a hospital. Here, you are given a very small amount of the specific food to eat. This is done so that if there is a reaction, you can be treated immediately.

How do you live with this allergy?

Living with a peanut allergy means you have to be very careful about what you eat and drink. The best thing to do is to avoid these nuts and foods containing them altogether.

• Read the labels: Read the labels of all packaged foods you buy from the store carefully. It will state whether they contain nuts.
• Be careful about cross-contamination: Imagine that you are sharing another curry with the same spoon that was used to share a cashew curry. Then, a little bit of the cashew protein can get into that curry too. This is called cross-contamination. There is a high chance of this happening in restaurants and bakeries. So, be aware of this when eating out.
• Keep an Epinephrine Auto-Injector: If you have a severe allergy, your doctor will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen). You should keep this with you at all times. You and your family should know exactly how to use it immediately if you experience severe symptoms.

If your child has an allergy...

• Teach your child to read food labels as early as possible.
• Teach your child not to share food with others and not to eat food if you don't know exactly what it contains.
• Inform school teachers, coaches, and adults who interact with your child about your child's allergy. Teach them how to use the epinephrine auto-injector.
• If you prepare foods containing nuts at home, wash utensils, cutlery, and work surfaces thoroughly.

What are the treatments?

For minor symptoms, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines tablets or syrups.

However, if you show signs of a serious reaction such as anaphylaxis :

1. Use the Epinephrine auto-injector immediately.

2. Then, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay. Even if the symptoms subside after the epinephrine, it is still essential to go to the hospital. Because the symptoms may reappear after a while.

Additionally, you can talk to your doctor about newer treatments such as Oral Immunotherapy (starting with a very small dose of bone protein and gradually increasing it to accustom the body to it) or Omalizumab (Xolair) to reduce the severity of the allergy for some people.

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