Arm yourself with the knowledge to reduce the risk and increase your tree nut allergy safety

If you suspect that you or your child has a tree nut allergy, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. If the doctor assesses an allergy risk, they will typically refer you to an allergist. Don't try and diagnose an allergy yourself. To be safe, you or your loved one will need to be properly evaluated and diagnosed.

The allergist will begin an assessment by asking many questions about what prompted the allergy concerns. Often, there will have been an incident where you or your child had an unexpected reaction to a food. You will need to provide as many specific details as possible to help the doctor in their effort to create a case history. Next, the allergist will typically perform a physical exam. If the doctor determines a likely allergy, s/he will recommend diagnostic tests. One of the most common of these is the skin prick test which introduces specific food proteins to the body by scratching the surface of the skin, often on the back. If there is a skin reaction, the doctor will assess it and then determine the diagnosis.

If you, or someone you love, has been diagnosed with a tree nut allergy, you now are faced with managing this health risk on a daily basis. Currently, the only approved therapy for this food allergy is strict avoidance of tree nuts. Following are some resources that you may find helpful in this day-to-day endeavor to stay safe.

The greatest danger for any tree nut-allergic person is anaphylaxis. This is the term for when the body has an acute reaction to an allergen.

Common symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Increased trouble breathing, coughing, chest tightness or wheezing

• Dizziness, fainting, rapid or weak heartbeat

• Swelling in the mouth and throat or trouble swallowing

• Flushing , itching, hives or a feeling of warmth

• Vomiting, diarrhea or stomach cramping.

You need to educate yourself about a tree nut allergy and anaphylaxis immediately, so you will be prepared in case of an emergency. Here are some good resources to help you:

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
Direct link to information For the Newly Diagnosed

Food Allergy Initiative
Direct link to information on Anaphylaxis

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
Direct link to information on treatment for Anaphylactic Reaction

EpiPen ®
Direct link to How To Use EpiPen ® Auto-Injector (video)

As soon as you have an understanding of anaphylaxis--its causes, symptoms and treatment--then you need to focus on managing the food allergy on a daily basis. Here are some good resources.

WebMD
Direct link to Living with a Nut Allergy

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
Direct link to Tips for Managing a Tree Nut Allergy

Eating with Food Allergies
Direct link to information on a Tree Nut Allergy

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
Direct link to information on Safety at Schools & Camps