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Chestnut Allergies

The chestnut is considered part of the tree nut family. The Food Allergy Initiative says the most common food allergies involve tree nuts, which include almonds, cashews and pecans.

  1. Prevalence of Chestnuts

    • Chestnuts and other tree nuts are found in many products, including chocolate, popcorn and shampoo, according to the Calgary Allergy Network.

    Reactions

    • Allergies to chestnuts can cause mild to severe reactions, from hives to fatal anaphylaxis, the Calgary organization says. Reactions tend to be more severe if the allergen is ingested rather than simply touched.

    Reaction Time Frame

    • Allergic reactions can begin within minutes of contact with chestnuts, but sometimes the reaction doesn't start for several hours, the Calgary group says. Symptoms can last up to a day.

    Solution

    • Those with chestnut allergies should avoid all contact with the tree nut family, according to the Food Allergy Initiative.

    Outgrowing the Allergy

    • According to the Food Allergy Initiative, 9 percent of children who are allergic to tree nuts outgrow the allergy.

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