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Signs & Symptoms of Nut Allergies

Nuts can be potentially dangerous to a person who is allergic to them. A reaction to an allergy is due to the body's natural defense, which is intended to fight infection. However, when the body detects that a nut protein is an allergen, it responds by attacking the immune system. A person with a family history of nut allergies is more likely to have an allergic reaction as well.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. A person can begin to experience symptoms within a matter of minutes, or it may take up to an hour.

    Mild Signs

    • If you have mild reactions, your face will start to tingle, your face may swell, you may experience a rash and your throat may tighten.

    Severe Signs

    • If you are having a severe reaction, you will experience the above mentioned, as well as respiratory difficulties, or your body can go into anaphylactic shock.

    Other Reactions

    • Other allergic reactions can include hives, nausea and vomiting with diarrhea, and asthma-like symptoms.

    Lasting Effects

    • A response to a nut allergy may last only a day (for minor reactions). In severe cases, it may require hospitalization.

    Response

    • If you experience any signs of reaction, immediately go to a hospital; many people may experience a second response up to eight hours after the initial reaction.

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