If your immune system doesn’t go well with tree nuts, then experts suggest staying away from chestnut. Like pecans and walnuts, chestnut has abundant health benefits because of its high fiber content.
Chestnut allergy symptoms range from mild to severe leading to anaphylaxis. Like tree nut allergy you may experience rashes over skin, burning eyes, tingling sensation around mouth and digestive problems.
An allergy is an adverse reaction of your immune system to the proteins in chestnut. These proteins are wrongly treated as harmful substances and in the process to protect immune system releases antibodies and histamines, which reacts with proteins in the nut and lead to various symptoms.
Even the little particles of these irritants can trigger allergy. In few people reaction may stimulate even when they come in contact with chestnut. Itching, sneezing and breathing problem may be quick signs of the allergy.
If you experience unusual signs after consuming chestnut or foods with chestnut, consult doctor for diagnosis.
Symptoms of Chestnut Allergy
Studies state that boiled chestnuts ranks 3rd among food allergies in Korea. Patients with latex-fruit and oral allergy syndrome may experience chestnut allergy.
- Sneezing, nasal congestion
- Wheezing
- Burning eyes
- Tingling sensation on tongue and around mouth
- Swelling of tongue, lips, face and throat
- Respiratory issues like breathing problem
- Asthma
- Skin rashes
- Abdominal issues
- Sudden drop in blood pressure
- Lightheadedness
- Eczema
- Itching
- Headache and sinus pain
- Anaphylaxis
Runny nose, coughing and itching are common symptoms of this allergy. Severe signs like sudden drop in blood pressure and consciousness need immediate medical attention.
Experts say that, allergic reaction doesn’t trigger when you consume the chestnut for the first time. When immune system repeatedly releases antibodies to detect the allergen, after a couple of times it releases histamines leading to severe signs.
And if you ignore and repeatedly eat or inhale the ingredient, it then leads to life- threatening conditions.
Anti-histamines can give you instant relief from chestnut allergic symptoms. Home remedies like massaging with essential oil blended with carrier oil will relieve you from itching.
However, you must consult doctor before proceeding with home remedies.
Prevention and Diagnosis
One of the best and easiest ways to treat an allergy is to avoid chestnut. Apart from foods items you must make sure to check the ingredient’s list of other daily used products.
Allergist or doctor will conduct different test to determine the allergen, which includes skin prick test, gastric fluid test and ELISA for detecting antibodies to chestnut allergy.