Allergy to nuts in childhood: symptoms and other things you should know

Allergy to nuts is one of the most common food allergies in childhood, being especially habitual in children from three or four years of age. The associated symptoms can be very severe, hence the importance of recognizing them immediately for an early diagnosis, as this type of allergy is one of the most common causes of food anaphylaxis.

Nuts, foods of high allergenicity

Nuts are a group of seeds of plants from different botanical groups that are eaten dried. This heterogeneous food group has no botanical relationship with each other, although this does not mean that it cannot cross reactivity exist between them, not surprisingly, it is common to present allergy to various nuts.

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As explained in the AEPNAA website, one of the characteristics of nuts is its high allergenicity and stability against heat and digestive processes, which implies that The reactions are often intense and immediate.

What nuts cause more allergies?

For starters, it is important to note that the concept of "nut allergy" encompasses, not just the nutsbut also the seeds (flax, sesame, chia, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, poppy seeds ...) and the peanut (legume).

In this sense, the nuts that are most frequently involved in allergic reactions depend on the geographical area in which we find ourselves, and on the food habits of the country or the family in particular.

For example, peanut allergy tends to be more frequent in the United States (due to its high consumption), while in many countries in Europe it is hazelnut allergy.

Any dried fruit can cause allergies, but the most consumed in our country and, therefore, the most involved in allergic processes are:

  • Anarcados and pistachios
  • Sunflower and pumpkin seeds
  • Hazelnuts
  • Chestnuts and acorns
  • Pecan and Brazil nuts
  • Flax seeds
  • Sesame
  • Pinions
  • Almonds
  • Peanuts

Symptoms of nut allergy

The associated symptoms can become severe, presenting itself in the form of:

  • Hives (hives or hives on the skin)

  • Tingling in the tongue

  • Sensation of tightness in the throat

  • Swelling in the throat and tongue

  • Asthma or respiratory problems

  • Rhinitis, conjunctivitis

  • Digestive symptoms with vomiting and diarrhea

  • Anaphylaxis, which can be lethal if it is not acted on time.

These symptoms may appear in a few seconds or up to two hours later of ingesting or exposing yourself to the allergen. And it is that not only the intake of nuts can cause symptoms, but also simple contact through a kiss, for example, or inhalation could trigger the picture.

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In case of suspicion, the specialist will perform skin tests (prick test) and a blood test to measure the levels of IgE antibodies specific to each of the nuts. In some cases, an oral exposure test may also be necessary, but always under medical supervision.

Can this allergy be prevented?

Many families choose to introduce nuts in the children's diet late, believing that they will help prevent allergies.

However, experts warn that delaying the introduction of a food not only does not prevent the appearance of allergies, but can be counterproductive. In fact, in the case of peanuts, the latest studies talk about an early introduction to the baby's diet could decrease the likelihood of future allergy.

Peanut consumption has also been associated during breastfeeding combined with its introduction into food during the first year of life, with a lower risk of presenting sensitivity to this food.

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In any case, when offering nuts for the first time to our son, we must keep in mind the following tips:

  • If the child is already allergic to other foods or substances with possible cross reactivity with nutsLike fruits, latex or pollens, we must pay special attention, as the risk increases.

  • According to SEICAP, most allergic reactions occur within 30 minutes after consumption, so if you detect any symptoms that make you suspect, go immediately to the hospital's emergency department.

  • Pediatricians recommend that children under six not consume whole nuts. So, if you are going to offer them that are ground or cream.

My son is allergic to nuts, now what?

If allergy suspicions are finally confirmed, the doctor will give you the precise indications to avoid risks, will inform you of the possible cross reactions that we have mentioned above, and will prescribe the necessary medication that the child might need (especially in cases of allergy with severe symptoms).

Among the foods that the child should exclude from the diet Not only are the nuts to which you are allergic, but all those made with these ingredients (such as certain dules, spreads, chocolates and nougat, cakes and pies, seed breads, sauces ...), as well as traces. It is essential to read and interpret food labeling correctly.

You may wonder if it is possible that this allergy "heals" over time, as with cow's milk protein allergy or egg allergy. The answer is yes, although experts believe the odds are low.

With regard to day-to-day life, it is important that both the child and the school know in detail what this allergy consists of and, together, work to raise awareness of the closest environment.

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Take extreme precautions when traveling or eating out, be aware that certain times of the year can raise the risk of this allergy and cook very carefully to avoid cross contamination, are other aspects that you should have in mind as of now.

Photos | iStock

Video: When Can Babies Eat Peanuts? (March 2024).