Do you also feel sick when you eat certain foods? Actually, these food allergies, or what we call food allergies, are something that many people in society have now. Sometimes these are not just minor, but can also be a little dangerous, especially for young children. Today we are going to talk about one such special allergy. That is, an allergy to certain nuts that grow on trees, for example, cashews, almonds, and walnuts, that is , tree nut allergy .
What is Tree Nut Allergy?
Simply put, the body of a person with this (Tree Nut Allergy) reacts excessively to these nuts when they eat them. Imagine that there are little soldiers inside our bodies to protect us from diseases. We call these people the immune system . Usually these people are very smart, and if something harmful, like a germ, comes into the body, they fight it and save us.
However, if a person with this (Tree Nut Allergy) gets a small piece of a tree nut, such as cashews, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, or a food containing it, those soldiers get nervous. They think a big enemy has arrived. So they start fighting against some of the proteins in these nuts, but more violently than necessary. That's when the symptoms of the allergy appear.
Some people may be allergic to just one type of nut. Others may be allergic to several types of nuts, or even all of them. The sad thing is, while some food allergies go away over time, this (Tree Nut Allergy) is something that many people will have for life .
What are the symptoms of this allergy?
Okay, now let's see what can happen if someone is allergic to this type of nut and eats it. Chemicals like histamine are released in the body. That's why these symptoms appear:
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing
- Persistent cough
- Voice change, hoarseness
- Throat tightness
- Stomach ache, stomach discomfort
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Itchy eyes, watery eyes, swollen eyes
- Skin rash, similar to hives
- Red spots on the skin
- Swelling (especially of the lips, tongue, and face)
- A sudden drop in blood pressure can cause fainting, and even loss of consciousness.
- Anxiety is a feeling of great fear, unease, as if something big and bad is going to happen.
These allergic reactions vary from person to person. Sometimes, even in the same person, the way they react can change from day to day. Some reactions are very mild, perhaps leaving only a few bumps on the skin. However, some reactions are more severe and can affect several parts of the body.
The most dangerous case: Anaphylaxis
This is a very dangerous situation . We call this anaphylaxis . Even if the allergy subsided a little bit last time, the next time this anaphylaxis situation can occur. What happens in this case is that the condition starts with one or more of the symptoms I mentioned earlier and then gets worse very quickly. You may not be able to breathe, you may lose consciousness. This effect can occur in more than one place on the body. If not treated properly, this can be life-threatening . Therefore, you need to be very careful about this.
What to do if you have an allergy? How to treat it?
If your child or someone you know has a severe tree nut allergy, or any other severe food allergy, you should definitely keep two doses of epinephrine on hand at all times.
Epinephrine is a prescription medicine. It comes in a small, portable pen-like device (auto-injector). It is very easy to use. Your doctor will show you how to use it. Older children can learn how to inject themselves. But it is important to keep it with them at all times. It is not recommended to leave it in a school locker or in the nurse's office. It should be taken with your child wherever they go.
Also, ask your doctor for an Allergy Action Plan . This will tell you how to prepare for an allergy, how to recognize the symptoms, and how to treat it. Share this plan with everyone who cares for your child (relatives, school officials, parents of other children who play with your child). Also, consider having your child wear a Medical Alert Bracelet .
Every second counts in an allergic reaction. Give epinephrine as soon as your child starts to show severe allergic symptoms (such as swelling of the mouth, throat, difficulty breathing). Or, if your child has symptoms that affect two body systems, such as skin rashes and vomiting, give epinephrine immediately. Then call 112 (Sri Lanka's emergency number) immediately or take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room. Keep your child under medical supervision. Sometimes, even when the worst seems to be over, severe symptoms can recur (a second wave).
Sometimes allergists will also recommend that you keep over-the-counter antihistamines on hand. These can help with mild allergy symptoms. But remember, in the event of a severe reaction, these should only be given after epinephrine, and never in place of epinephrine.
What else do we need to know about this?
If your child has this (Tree Nut Allergy), the most important thing is to avoid letting them eat these nuts.
- Read food labels carefully: Check the ingredient list on food packages carefully. Sometimes manufacturers change the ingredients. Also, these nuts may be hidden in foods you don't even think about.
- Legal Notice: In some countries (for example, the United States of America), there is a law that states that if foods sold contain these types of nuts, it must be stated on the label. In Sri Lanka, these things are often stated now. So, first check the ingredients list.
- Be careful about cross-contamination: This is very important. When preparing some foods, even if these nuts are not directly added to the food, these nuts may have been used in the place where the food is prepared, in the machines used, and in the containers. Then, even those foods that do not contain nuts can be inadvertently added to them. That is what is called cross-contamination .
- Check the labels for things like "May contain tree nuts," "Processed in a facility that also processes tree nuts," or "Manufactured on equipment also used for tree nuts." If these are listed, never feed that type of food.
- Some companies don't mention this cross-contamination on their labels, so if you have any doubts, call or email the company to find out for sure.
- Foods at higher risk: Bakery foods (like cakes, biscuits), chocolate, some sauces, and ice cream are more likely to contain these nuts. Also, cross-contamination can occur from things like scoops used in ice cream shops and soft serve ice cream machines.
- When eating out: If your child eats out, make sure they have two unexpired doses of epinephrine on hand. Also, be sure to tell your child's food handlers and food service personnel about their nut allergy. Sometimes, you can prepare foods that you know are safe for your child at home. If the manager or owner of a restaurant seems uncomfortable with your request, it's best to avoid eating there.
- At school: Talk to staff about the risk of cross-contamination in school canteen food. Many parents prepare their children's meals at home. That's the safest way.
If you want to learn more about how to manage these food allergies, you can visit the websites of international organizations such as (Food Allergy Research & Education - FARE) .
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Tree Nut Allergy is a scary thing, that's true. But, if you are well-informed, take the necessary precautions, and be careful, your child (or you) can live a normal, happy life with this condition.
- Allergies are serious: don't take this for granted.
- Recognize the symptoms: Know the exact signs of an allergic reaction.
- Epinephrine is a lifesaver: Always carry two doses of epinephrine. Know exactly how to use it.
- Read labels: Make it a habit to read food labels.
- Be careful about cross-contamination: This is very important.
- Inform others: Inform family members, teachers, and friends' parents about your child's allergy.
If you have any further questions about this, talk to your family doctor or an allergist. They will be able to help you further.
` Allergy, food allergy, tree nut allergy, epinephrine, anaphylaxis, children's health, food safety
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න