Hazelnut belongs to the nut family and is one of the most common type of food allergy. Hazelnuts are present in many food items like chocolates, ice-creams, cakes, cookies snacks etc. The most popular and most liked food product around the world, that is nutella also contains hazelnut. Hazelnut allergy can range from mild to severe and in rare cases can turn out even worst threatening life.
Most common food allergic symptoms found in most adults are tingling and swelling around mouth. Though nuts and peanuts have grabbed more attention, experts say that fruits and vegetables are more likely to trigger an infection. If you are allergic to any one type of nut then you may also suffer from hazelnut allergy. To be on safe side avoid eating all kinds of nuts. It may or may not trigger allergic reaction but it is always better to be on safe side.
Hazelnuts allergy is triggered when your immune system reacts wrongly and attacks proteins in the nut. When an external substance enters your body; the immune system releases antibodies which produce histamines to trigger allergy. It does so to thwart those foreign substances out of your body.
A study called EuroPrevall is carried out in 12 cities of Europe, which concludes that hazelnut allergy is the most common food allergy in the region. Observations in patients in Central and North-Western Europe show that they are sensitive to tree pollen in particular Birch pollen.
In other words, if you’re allergic to specific pollen then certain foods related to the pollen may be allergic to you. This is known as oral allergy syndrome.
Hazelnut Allergy Symptoms
This allergic can range from mild, severe to life-threatening. The mild hazelnut allergy symptoms are associated with birch pollen, where symptoms are confined to mouth.
You’ll experience allergic symptoms after couple of hours of consuming hazelnuts. Which include…
- Hives or eczema affecting skin.
- Wheezing, coughing and runny nose.
- Swelling of lips, tongue and around the lips.
- Eye inflammation or conjunctivitis.
- Nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Severe condition may result in anaphylaxis.
Experts recommend taking antihistamine to control mild allergic symptoms like swelling of lips, tongue and throat. However, people who’re affected with rashes, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain must get immediate medical attention.
There is no cure for hazelnut allergy; one of the best ways is to avoid them. If you see any of the above mentioned symptoms, then consult allergist for diagnosis. In rare cases, your doctor may suggest you to take Epinephrine Auto-Injector, which you need to carry with you.
People who’re allergic to hazelnut may be sensitive to other nuts as well. So, when you visit a restaurant, make sure you ask about the ingredients and do check ingredients list if available on the store brought product..