Adult and Pediatric Tree Nut Allergy Care in Atlanta
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center is the leading provider of food allergy treatments in the Atlanta area. Our allergy doctors help people experiencing uncomfortable allergy symptoms by providing testing services and effective tree nut allergy treatments.
An estimated one to two percent of the United States population is allergic to tree nuts, with both adults and children impacted by the various types of nuts. And with some of these affected people being at risk for anaphylaxis, allergy testing and treatment by an allergist is crucial for reducing the threat.
Primary Symptoms of a Tree Nut Allergy
Tree nut allergies usually begin in childhood, but will often last into adulthood. Some people do outgrow a childhood allergy or allergies, but “outgrowing” is less common with tree nut allergies than with other allergens such as milk.
What are tree nuts? – Technically, tree nuts are dry fruits with one seed (that may contain an allergenic risk). The most common tree nuts that people react to are almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts.
Common tree nut symptoms include the following.
- Stomach pains
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Itchy mouth and throat
- Breathing issues
- Nausea or vomiting
- Anaphylaxis
Tree Nut Allergy Testing Services
At our Atlanta-area allergy treatment centers, we offer comprehensive allergy testing for adults and children to diagnose tree nut allergies. Our board-certified allergists begin with a thorough evaluation of your medical history, focusing on any previous allergic reactions and family history of allergies. This information can be used to identify oral allergy syndrome symptoms and select the appropriate test.
Skin prick testing is the most commonly used method for identifying allergic reactions to specific tree nuts. In this procedure, a small amount of tree nut extract is placed on the skin. The skin is then gently pricked to allow the allergen to enter the top layer. If a raised, red bump develops within 15–20 minutes, it usually indicates an allergy. Blood testing and oral food challenges may also be recommended.
Effective Tree Nut Allergy Treatments
At Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center, our allergy doctors work with patients to diagnose their allergy – and create a comprehensive treatment plan. Various medications (including antihistamines) can reduce the severity of an allergic reaction. For a long-term approach that desensitizes the immune system to tree nuts, oral immunotherapy treatment (OIT) builds tolerance to the allergen through controlled exposure.
While OIT is not a cure for food allergies, it can allow patients to consume tree nuts without experiencing a reaction. Those willing to commit to the process can reach a maintenance level that prevents responses caused by accidental exposure to an allergen.
Due to the threat of anaphylaxis, patients may receive epinephrine auto-injectors in case of a life-threatening allergic reaction. The quick injection of adrenaline is a crucial step if a person feels lightheaded, has severe breathing difficulties or loses consciousness.
How Cross-Reactivity Affects Tree Nut Allergies
At Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center, we support patients experiencing allergy symptoms from one or more tree nuts. A common issue for those with tree nut allergies is cross-reactivity caused by proteins in various nuts that share similarities. For example, a person with a cashew allergy might also react to pistachios. Also, while peanuts are legumes (and not tree nuts), protein similarities could also cause a reaction.
If you have a tree nut allergy, it’s important to exercise caution when encountering nut-based products or unfamiliar nut varieties. Read food labels carefully, or ask your server if you’re at a restaurant. Talk to your allergist if you have concerns, and avoid consuming varieties of nuts if you have any doubts.
Common Questions About Tree Nut Allergies
Can you be allergic to just one type of tree nut?
Yes. It is possible to be allergic to one tree nut – or to many. For instance, patients often experience cross-reactivity from cashews and pistachios or pecans and walnuts.
Can you be allergic to tree nuts and peanuts?
Yes. Approximately 30% of people with tree nut allergies are also allergic to peanuts. Peanuts are legumes, but they share some proteins with tree nuts.
Is there a cure for a tree nut allergy?
There is currently no cure for a food allergy. However, oral immunotherapy can reduce a person’s sensitivity to the point where they can eat a significant amount of tree nuts without symptoms.
Contact Us for Atlanta Area Tree Nut Allergy Treatments
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center works with patients to diagnose and treat tree nut allergies. If you or your child experiences food allergy symptoms, visit one of our centers in the Atlanta area to see one of our allergists. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
