Walnut Allergies

People with walnut allergies need to have caution because if symptoms of a reaction go untreated, the condition may become fatal. The problem can simply be avoided by not eating walnuts; however, people need to know they are allergic to them first.

Symptoms of a Reaction

• Common symptoms of allergic reactions include itchy and watery eyes, nausea, hives and rashes. Blood pressure can drop, and the person may become breathless and dizzy. If these symptoms go untreated, the person may die.

Cooked Walnuts vs. Uncooked Walnuts

• Cooking the walnuts may help some people be able to eat them.

  Allergic reactions to walnuts occur because the immune system mistakes the protein in the fruit as harmful. Cooking may help some individuals overcome the allergy, because cooking the walnut destroys the protein.

Solving the Problem

• If allergic reactions occur after eating a walnut, you should take antihistamines or other prescribed medicines. However, if symptoms persist, visit a doctor or emergency room.

Other Allergies

• People allergic to walnuts may be allergic to others.

  People who are allergic to walnuts may also be allergic to birch pollen, almond, pecan nut, hazelnuts and other varieties of nuts. Therefore, those affected by walnut allergies should be careful when eating nuts in general.

Testing

• Allergists can conduct blood tests and skin prick tests in order to determine if people are allergic to walnuts. The best method of prevention is knowing the allergy and avoiding the allergen.