How To Know If You Are Allergic To Nuts

Food allergies can occur at any time during an individual's life, but most occur by the age of three. Fifteen million Americans are affected by food allergies which include six percent of all children and four percent of all adults in the United States. The number of children with a peanut allergy has tripled from 1997 to 2008. Even though children can outgrow their food allergies, most adults do not. Continue reading to learn the warning signs that a person may have a nut allergy.

Allergic Reaction When Eating Nuts

Allergic reactions can vary and be different each time an allergen is ingested. This reaction can include a runny nose, itchy skin, hives, pink eye, wheezing, and diarrhea. Each time an allergen is ingested, it is falsely recognized by the immune system as an invader. The immunoglobulin E (IgE) is developed to attack and destroy the invader. Technically, allergies are dysfunctions in the immune system since allergens are non-toxic and should be handled well by the body. A chain reaction occurs in the immune system, and histamines, as well as other inflammatory molecules, are released to elicit an inflammatory response. Allergic reactions are signs that the body is trying to destroy the allergen.

Next, find out how an allergy to nuts can lead to anaphylaxis.