What is allergy?

An allergy is nothing more than an excessive response of the immune system. In the case of nuts, the allergenic factor is usually the stock proteins that are one of the building blocks of nuts. When nut-derived proteins enter the body, there is a rapid production of IgE antibodies, which in allergy sufferers manifests itself through the appearance of numerous allergy-typical symptoms. It is estimated that peanut allergy may affect up to one per cent of the population! Peanuts, as well as products containing them, are considered to be among the most potent allergens that can contribute to a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.

Symptoms of a nut allergy

Allergic symptoms appear shortly after consuming products containing nuts, even small amounts. The most common allergic symptoms include hives, allergic rhinitis, abdominal pain, vomiting, itching, and exacerbation of asthmatic symptoms in asthmatic patients. Interestingly, taking acetylsalicylic acid, an ingredient in popular cold products, increases the severity of symptoms. Severe allergy symptoms can lead to so-called anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening.

If the following symptoms are observed, an ambulance should be called immediately:

burning in the mouth,
restlessness,
suddenly deteriorating mood,
sudden reddening of the skin, itching, hives,
hoarseness, cough, muscle spasms,
increasing difficulty in breathing,
increase in heart rate,
drop in blood pressure,
loss of consciousness.

Nut allergy, photo: panthermedia

Caution: anaphylactic shock progresses very quickly, hence it is essential to call an ambulance as soon as possible. Failure to provide professional medical assistance can lead to death!

How do you recognise a nut allergy?

Anallergy is a disease that requires precise preliminary tests to pinpoint what is causing the illness. In the case of children, the doctor who can order allergy tests is the paediatrician. Since identifying and pinpointing the specific cause of an allergy is arduous, diagnostic tests can help to pinpoint the allergy of a specific patient. Remember that one person may be allergic to several substances! Remember that it is worth keeping an eye on yourself and your loved ones. The sooner you notice worrying symptoms, the more efficient the diagnosis will be. In addition to traditional skin tests, which can be prescribed by a doctor, blood tests (so-called RAST tests) can also be carried out to determine the concentration of IgE immunoglobulin, a characteristic antibody whose concentration increases after contact with a sensitising substance

Treatment

At present, allergies cannot be completely cured. The most effective method is simply to avoid allergens, although unfortunately this is not always possible. In the case of mild allergic reactions, antihistamines are primarily used to reduce the concentration of histamine, which appears in the body after administration of the allergenic agent. In the case of severe allergic reactions, minutes are crucial - here the drug used is adrenaline. Automatic adrenaline injectors are now available on the market, which allergic people should as a precaution always carry with them. It is also worth introducing a number of good practices in everyday life, such as carefully reading the labels on food packaging, where there is information about the content or possibility of traces of nuts.

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