For parents of children with tree nut allergies, even small amounts of almonds, cashews, pistachios and walnuts can have serious consequences. Tree nuts are among the leading causes of severe allergic reactions in children and can trigger life-threatening symptoms. These potential risks can leave parents feeling anxious, as well as uncertain about how to keep their children safe in everyday situations. So what should parents in the Atlanta area know about tree nut allergies?
What Families Need to Know to Manage a Tree Nut Allergy
Roughly 0.5% to 1% of the U.S. population is affected by tree nut allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. If you suspect that your child has a tree nut allergy or they have already been diagnosed, there are some important factors you should be aware of.
1. Tree Nuts and Peanuts Are Not the Same
Even though peanuts and tree nuts are often grouped together as “nuts,” they actually belong to different families. While tree nuts are the seeds or fruits of trees that by definition grow above ground, peanuts are legumes that grow underground. These foods may be classified differently, but children with tree nut allergies might be advised to avoid peanuts because of the risk of cross-contact during food processing.
2. A Child Allergic to One Tree Nut May React to Others
Common tree nuts include cashews, pistachios, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts. Some children will be allergic to only one of these, though many children will react to several of them. To understand how your child might react, food allergy testing identifies hidden triggers and unexpected allergies.
3. Tree Nut Allergies Can Cause Severe Reactions
Tree nut allergies are responsible for some of the most severe reactions an allergic person can experience. Even when the initial symptoms are mild, a child could potentially experience anaphylaxis during future exposure to tree nuts. Parents should be aware of common symptoms such as itching, hives, stomach discomfort, difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis.
4. Most Children Won’t Outgrow a Tree Nut Allergy
While some children do outgrow their tree nut allergy, this is far less likely to occur than it is for milk and egg allergies. Families should work with their allergist to find the appropriate management plan, which may include periodic testing to see if the allergy has changed.
5. Treatment Can Help Children With Tree Nut Allergies
For some children, professional allergy treatments may help reduce the severity of allergic reactions. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a treatment in which a child is given increasing doses of a tree nut allergen to build tolerance over time. While OIT does not completely cure the allergy, it can make accidental exposure less dangerous.
Expert Tree Nut Allergy Treatment in the Atlanta Area
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center supports parents and children dealing with food allergies. We provide tree nut allergy testing and treatment for patients of all ages at our Atlanta-area centers. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
