Tree Nut

What is a Tree Nut Allergy?
A tree nut allergy is caused by an immune reaction against the protein in tree nuts.  A tree nut allergy results when antibodies against tree nut allergens are produced by the immune system.  The combination of the allergen and antibody produces a series of reactions and symptoms typical to an allergic reaction.  Tree nut allergy is much more common in young infants and children than in adults.

Symptoms
The most common symptoms of tree nut allergy include hives, tissue swelling, wheezing, asthma, vomiting, runny nose, itching, nausea, eye irritation.

Treatment
Reactivity to tree nuts is an allergy that is usually life-long. 

A totally tree nut-free diet is necessary if there is a known or suspected allergy to tree nut.  If is essential that a totally tree nut-free diet be followed indefinitely if a person has been diagnosed as anaphylactic to tree nuts.  All products containing or having components of tree nuts must be avoided. 

How to read a Food Label for a Tree Nut-Free Diet
Fortunately, a new food labeling law now requires food manufacturers to disclose in plain language whether products contain any of the top eight food allergens.  Tree nuts can be found in many foods.  For your information, below is a list of foods containing tree nuts.

Almonds
Artificial Nuts
Brazil Nuts
Cashews
Chestnuts
Filberts
Gianduja
Hazelnuts
Hickory nuts
Macadamia Nuts
Marzipan/Almond paste
Nougat
Nut butters
Nut oil
Nut paste
Pecans pine nuts
Pine nuts
Pistachios
Walnuts

Some Hidden Sources of Tree Nuts

• Artificial nuts can be peanuts that have been deflavored and reflavored with a nut, such as pecan or walnut. Mandelonas are peanuts soaked in almond flavoring.
• Mortadella may contain pistachios.
• Tree nuts have been used in many foods including barbecue sauce, cereals, crackers, and ice cream.
• Kick sacks, or hacky sacks, and bean bags are sometimes filled with crushed nut shells.

Shopping Tips

• Avoid natural extracts such as pure almond extract, and natural wintergreen extract (for children who are filbert/hazelnut allergic).
• Use imitation or artificially flavored extracts.
• Ethnic foods, commercially prepared baked goods, and candy can be cross-contaminated with nuts since nuts are frequently used in these types of foods.
• Tree nuts are being added to an increasing variety of foods such as barbecue sauces, cereals, crackers, and ice creams.