Nuts are a popular snack for many, but did you know that these tiny treats can cause severe allergic reactions, sometimes even life-threatening ones? By understanding nut allergies, we can avoid and identify different types of nuts to prevent allergic reactions. Today, we'll explore nut allergies in detail.

Understanding the Types of Nuts

Although "Nuts" and "Beans" both refer to similar foods, they are different. Nuts are hard-shelled seeds, often round and light-colored, like almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts, macadamias, pistachios, and pecans. Beans are dry seeds with a soft shell, available in various colors and kidney-like shapes, such as soybeans, green beans, black beans, peanuts, and red beans. People who are allergic to hard-shelled nuts often react to specific nuts or multiple types, and some may also be allergic to other beans like soybeans or peanuts.

What is a Nut Allergy?

A nut allergy occurs when the body reacts to proteins in hard-shelled nuts by producing antibodies that release histamine, causing allergic symptoms like:

·       Skin rashes and hives

·       Swollen lips

·       Runny or stuffy nose

·       Throat tightness

·       Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting

·       Severe reactions may lead to shock, unconsciousness, and potentially death

These symptoms typically appear within a minute to an hour after consuming nuts or nut-containing foods.

Foods to Avoid for Nut Allergy Sufferers

People with nut allergies should be cautious not only of direct consumption but also of foods containing hidden nuts. Always check product labels for nut ingredients or warnings such as "contains soy or nuts." Common products with hidden nuts include:

·       Snacks: Bread, cookies, cakes, ice cream, candy, and sweets

·       Condiments: Soy sauce, shoyu, light soy sauce, salad dressings

·       Foods: Tofu, noodles, Thai salads, sauces, dips, stews, cereals

·       Other products: Shampoos, soaps, lotions

Testing for Nut Allergies

If you experience symptoms of a nut allergy, such as rashes or swollen lips, you can undergo allergy testing through:

·       Allergen Skin Prick Test: Scratching the skin with needles containing allergens to observe reactions. Suitable for children over one year old.

·       Serum Specific IgE Blood Test: Drawing blood and testing it against various allergens to identify specific nut allergies.

·       Oral Food Challenge Test: Consuming suspected allergenic foods under medical supervision to observe reactions.

Managing Nut Allergy Symptoms

For mild allergic reactions from eating, touching, or inhaling nuts, take antihistamines immediately. If symptoms persist, seek medical help. In cases of severe reactions (anaphylaxis), an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) may be necessary to prevent shock and stimulate heart function.

The best way to prevent nut allergies is to avoid all nut-containing products. Always read labels carefully before purchasing and carry antihistamines for unexpected reactions. For more health tips, Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance customers can read additional health articles on https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/health-advisories

References:

·       Pobpad
https://bit.ly/4civ7QQ

·       BNH Hospital
https://bit.ly/3wZxBn6

·       WebMD
https://wb.md/3VggAij