Would you want to know your allergic reaction to hazelnuts? Hazelnut allergy is, in my experience, one of the most prevalent tree nut allergies in the United states, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
Praline, sliced almonds, nut spreads like Nutella, and breakfast cereals all contain hazelnuts. They may be ground and mixed into various delicacies, including biscuits and cakes.
In addition, hazelnut oil is utilized in culinary preparations. The most severe food-related allergic reactions are caused by tree nut (and peanut) allergies.
These reactions include pruritus and pruritus of the mouth, sore pharynx, inflammation of the lips, tongue, and esophagus, and pruritus of the ears.
However, that is not all; continue reading to learn more. This article aims to overview the allergic reaction to hazelnuts, its distribution, cross-reactivity, association with pollen allergies, symptoms, testing, diagnosis, and management.
Now, let’s get started.
What is hazelnut allergy
Hazelnuts are one of the several types of nuts that are frequently linked to allergic responses. It is possible that you have a cross-reaction or that you have an allergy to hazelnuts.
Another chemical that is sufficiently similar to your trigger that might cause you to have symptoms is said to be a trigger. Those sensitive to birch pollen can suffer an itchy mouth when they consume hazelnuts.
You should consult your physician as soon as possible if you experience any symptoms related to hazelnuts, regardless of how slight they may be.
There is a possibility of anaphylaxis due to food allergies. We are dealing with a severe case of systemic allergic response, which means that it is affecting your entire body.
There is a potential for anaphylaxis to be fatal and is considered a medical emergency.
What does a hazelnut allergy feel like
Food allergy symptoms can be highly distressing. The following are some of the symptoms that may suggest that you are suffering a mild to moderate allergic response to hazelnuts:
• Hives are a rash that is raised and irritating, but the skin may occasionally become red and itchy, but it is not elevated.
• A sensation of tingling or stinging in the mouth
Several symptoms may be present, including but not limited to swelling of the face, mouth, throat, or other body regions; difficulty swallowing; wheezing or shortness of breath; feeling disoriented and nauseous; feeling ill (nausea) or vomiting; abdominal discomfort or diarrhea.
It may start a few seconds or minutes after the allergen has been brought into contact with the body. In general, you anticipate experiencing anything in a time frame of fewer than two hours.
What are the symptoms of a hazelnut allergy
In cases of primary hazelnut allergy, the allergic reaction is brought on by IgE antibodies directed against proteins found in hazelnuts.
It can tolerate processes such as digestion and heated temperatures. The most severe symptoms, including those that are potentially fatal (anaphylactic), are caused by this particular form of hazelnut allergy.
Children who suffer from this particular form of primary hazelnut allergy frequently require adrenaline autoinjectors in addition to antihistamines as part of their treatment strategy for food allergies.
In contrast, symptoms of a hazelnut allergy often manifest within a short period or nearly immediately after consuming hazelnuts or foods containing them.
The following are two possible responses, ranging from the least severe to the most severe:
- The following symptoms may be present:
- nasal congestion or runny nose;
- wheezing or coughing;
- itching of the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, or any other region;
- hives; nausea, stomach discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- difficulty swallowing; shortness of breath;
- swelling of the lips, tongue, or face (also known as angioedema);
- and hives.
How does a nut allergy manifest
These are the symptoms that are associated with hazelnut allergy:
- Severe itchiness
- Itchiness in the lips, throat, eyes, skin, or other regions of the body
- Symptoms such as stomach discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting that are associated with digestion
- Asthma, rhinitis, congestion, and runny nose are respiratory symptoms that may be present.
- Having trouble swallowing
Having systemic symptoms such as a decrease in blood pressure or anaphylactic shock. If you or someone under your supervision has exhibited any of these symptoms following the consumption of peanuts, tree nuts, or seeds,
there is an increased probability of experiencing a severe reaction upon consuming that particular meal.
Request a referral from your healthcare physician to connect with a specialist in clinical immunology or allergies.
How to recognize a hazelnut allergy
A list of the most prevalent symptoms of an allergy to hazelnuts is as follows:
• Skin that is rashy or itchy
• Swelling of the area around the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
• Trouble breathing or experiencing pressure in the chest
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Headaches
• Feeling tired or weak
• Asthma
• Anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic response that can result in loss of consciousness and requires immediate medical attention
Depending on the individual and the specific allergy, the signs and symptoms of a hazelnut allergy might differ. These symptoms could be different for each person, so it’s important to remember that.
On the other hand, the treatments for hazelnut allergy are often symptomatic. It is possible to make use of antihistamines and corticosteroids.
Should there be any symptoms on the skin, it is recommended that local corticosteroids be used.
An adrenaline pen may be administered as an emergency therapy for anaphylactic shock to those who are particularly susceptible to the effects of the drug.
Removing the allergen is still the most effective treatment for hazelnut allergy. This means the allergic patient’s diet must be completely cleansed of all peanut products.
An allergy that must be reported is hazelnuts. Because its existence must be disclosed on the container, it is essential to study the composition labels carefully.
Final thought
Now that we have established allergic reactions to hazelnuts, some individuals who are allergic to hazelnuts can develop symptoms when they consume foods that appear to be unrelated.
This occurrence is referred to as cross-reactivity, and it takes place when the immune system of your body recognizes proteins or molecules present in various substances as being structurally similar or physiologically related, triggering a reaction.
Interactions between hazelnuts and foods derived from plants, such as nuts, fruits, soy, vegetables, and legumes, are the most prevalent type of cross-reactivity that might potentially occur.
