Tree nut allergy
Tree Nut Allergy
Tree nut allergy is a type of food allergy characterized by an overreaction of the body's immune system to the proteins found in tree nuts.
Pronunciation
Tree Nut Allergy: /triː nʌt ˈælərdʒi/
Etymology
The term "allergy" is derived from the Greek words "allos", meaning different, and "ergon", meaning work or action. The term "tree nut" refers to nuts that grow on trees, as opposed to peanuts, which are legumes that grow underground.
Definition
A tree nut allergy is a hypersensitivity to dietary substances from tree nuts and edible tree seeds causing an overreaction of the immune system which may lead to severe physical symptoms. Tree nuts include, but are not limited to, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a tree nut allergy can range from mild to severe and can include itching, hives, swelling, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a tree nut allergy is typically made through a combination of patient history, skin prick testing, and/or blood tests to look for specific antibodies.
Treatment
The primary treatment for a tree nut allergy is avoidance of tree nuts and products containing tree nuts. In cases of accidental ingestion, antihistamines may be used to relieve symptoms, and in severe cases, an epinephrine autoinjector may be used.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tree nut allergy
- Wikipedia's article - Tree nut allergy
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