Hazelnut is a tree nut which is used in foods such as praline, cookies, cakes, chocolates, and desserts etc. In spite of its wide use, hazelnut can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. The proteins present in the hazelnut are responsible for causing the allergic reaction.
Individuals with tree nut allergies and birch pollen allergy can be allergic to hazelnut. Those with hazelnut allergy may overcome the allergy by roasting or cooking the hazelnuts.
Hazelnut Allergy and Tree Nut Allergies:
Hazelnut is a tree nut, and it can cause severe allergic reaction. Common allergy symptoms include hives, rashes, diarrhea, vomiting, breathlessness, dizziness . In rare cases, it can also lead to anaphylaxis, which is a severe form of allergic reaction.
People with tree nut allergies have high risk of having hazelnut allergy. So, if you have allergy to peanut, walnut, almond, cashew and other nuts, you might be having tree nut allergy.
Hazelnut Allergy and Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS):
Oral allergy syndrome is a milder form of allergy which is caused due to hazelnut. Itching of lips, mouth, throat are some of the symptoms of OAS. There can also be swelling of lips, tongue and throat. People with birch pollen allergy have high risk of developing oral allergy syndrome to hazelnut.
Preventing Hazelnut Allergy:
- Studies show that roasting hazelnut can help in preventing hazelnut allergy. This is because the allergy-causing proteins are destroyed during the process of cooking or roasting
- The labels of food products should list hazelnuts if they are used deliberately. So, while shopping, you can read the labels and avoid such food products
- Be careful while eating cookies, chocolates, desserts etc. If you are eating out, you can inquire about the ingredients
- If you develop a severe allergic reaction, an epinephrine should be immediately administered to prevent anaphylaxis
Treatment of Hazelnut Allergy:
If you suspect hazelnut allergy, you can take up allergy tests by consulting your allergist. Blood test (RAST) and skin prick tests are the allergy tests which are done for hazelnut allergy testing. After this, you doctor might prescribe antihistamines, corticosteroids to treat the allergy. Hazelnut allergy is preventable, so proper precaution and care can help you to overcome hazelnut allergy.
