Nut Allergies
Nut allergies are the most common type of series food allergies. Reactions happen because of contact with tree nuts, including:
Almonds
Brazil nuts
Cashews
Hazelnuts
Pecans
Pistachios
Walnuts
After someone with a nut allergy has an exposure, the immune system overreacts to proteins in the nuts, which triggers an allergic reaction,
Exposure to tree nuts can happen in a few ways:
Direct contact with nuts or nut products. Eating (or sometimes touching) products that contain nuts.
Cross-contamination. When food accidentally comes into contact with nuts.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction
Allergic reactions look different for everyone. Symptoms of nut allergies can range from mild to life-threatening. They include:
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Itchy skin
Hives
Tingling of the mouth and throat
Swelling of the lips or mouth
Coughing
Hoarseness
Call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room if your child has any of these severe symptoms:
Trouble breathing
Swelling in the throat
A sudden drop in blood pressure
Pale skin or blue lips
Dizziness
Fainting
How to protect everyone
Staying informed is key to handling any allergy.
Make a plan with their doctor. If you have a nut or peanut allergy, your doctor will draft an emergency care plan. This care plan offers instructions on how to treat allergic reactions.
Your dietary restrictions
Symptoms
Situations that might require an EpiPen
When to call 911
Keep everyone in the loop. Discuss your food allergy emergency plan with anyone who spends time with you, like co-workers, coaches, friends and family.
Read labels. Products that don’t contain nuts may still be a risk of contamination. Even if it’s something you buy regularly, check the container. This can help you identify any changes to labeling or ingredients. After you’ve checked the label, look for these phrases on the package:
“May contain traces of tree nuts.”
“Processed in a facility that also processes nuts.”
If you see this phrasing, the product may be risky. To be sure the product is nut-free, choose labels that say “made in a dedicated nut-free facility” or something similar.
Practice kitchen safety. Avoiding accidental nut exposure starts with your kitchen.
To keep mealtime as safe as possible:
Create a dedicated nut-free cooking area
Wipe down surfaces before and after cooking
Store foods with nut ingredients in separate containers. And, if possible, in a separate fridge or cabinet.
Ask ahead of time. If you plan to eat at a restaurant, choose carefully. Start by browsing menus online. Or, for extra security, contact the restaurant directly. Ask if their menu is safe for someone with a nut allergy. If it isn’t, look for another spot.