Pecan allergy is mediated when proteins in it disputes with antibodies released by immune system. Like any other food allergy, you’ll experience adverse signs on skin, around mouth and may face digestive issues.
Among all tree nuts, pecan contains more fat. But the unsaturated fat is good for your healthy heart. With 19 vitamins and minerals, this tree nut is an excellent nutritional diet. Unfortunately, in few people things may not go same.
When you consume, touch or smell pecan, your immune system releases antibodies to check the proteins in pecan. They mistakenly, consider proteins to harmful substances and sends signal to immune system. To combat them, your immune system releases anti-histamines, the chemical reaction results in various symptoms of pecan allergy.
Food Allergy Research & Education center reports that about 15 million Americans experience food allergy. In which, 4 to 8 percent children have been diagnosed with the allergy. According to 2013 report, percentage of children with food allergy has been increased by 50% in 14 years. (1)
Though most allergies are outgrown by children, peanut and tree nut allergies are less frequently resolved. University of Maryland Medical Center says hereditary could cause to pass specified allergy to next generation.
Pecan Allergy Symptoms
Signs of pecan allergy range from mild to life-threatening situations. As mentioned, it’s not important that patient must consume to trigger allergy. In some cases just by contact, allergy symptoms can be seen.
Mild allergy symptoms include:
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of lips, tongue or throat
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- and unconsciousness
Reaction won’t trigger for the first time, when your immune system persistently exposed to these foreign substances at-once within an hour symptoms can be seen. Above mentioned signs might not be seen in everyone’s case. Few may just experience swelling, but when you ignore them and continue to eat pecan life-threatening condition can be faced.
Asthma like situation, uneasy in breathing and sudden drop in blood pressure can be fatal. You must reach allergist or concerned doctor for diagnosis. Don’t waste your time searching for home remedies in this case.
If you’re allergic to pecan don’t think you can freely eat other ingredients which include little bit of pecan. Even percentage of proteins related to pecan or similar to pecan can stimulate the allergy. Only after diagnosis you’ll know if you’re allergic to other similar tree nuts or not.
Check the ingredient’s list before buying the product; don’t hesitate to ask about the substances added in a dish at restaurant. Importantly, parents must pay more attention towards their kids. Reports say the food allergy is rapidly increasing in children.
Diagnosis
Reach allergist for diagnosis. To confirm whether your immune system is sensitive to certain proteins, allergist will scratch your skin with that protein and measure the reaction. Blood test will be carried out to measure the reaction level to pecan protein.
Allergist may ask you to take different foods for diagnosis. During this test, you’ll be watched for about 15-30 minutes to determine the reaction. Once the allergy is confirmed, he’ll prescribe the medication accordingly.
The size of skin reaction can’t help to determine about the severity of pecan allergy.
Prevention
This is the most important aspect in treating pecan allergy. You must stay away from pecan, foods with pecan and other tree nuts which are identical to pecan. Nuts and oil nuts can also trigger the reaction. Delicious dishes can include this irritant, so make sure you avoid them. It’s best to prepare your own food or eat home food.
Yes, it’s not easy. Many food products include this natural ingredient for its nutritional value.
Anti-histamine medicine can reduce pecan allergy symptoms, doctors can use injectable epinephrine to reverse the reaction triggered by irritants. You’re advised to carry antihistamine with your for emergency medical situation.
Note: Your friends and family members must know what to do in emergency situations. Educate them with your allergist.