The Tree Nut Allergy

Presentation By: Megan Martin, Thomas Goeke

The 12 Edible Tree Nuts
Almonds
English Walnuts
Hazelnuts/Filberts
Chestnuts
Pecans
Cashews
Pine Nuts
Pistachios
Macadamia Nuts
Brazil Nuts
Black Walnuts
Coconuts
Background Information
An allergen is defined as a protein that causes and abnormal immune reaction
that can often be dangerous to the persons health.
About 1.1% of Americans are affected by Peanut and/or Tree Nut Allergies
Of these 12 tree nuts, all have the potential to cause allergies
Some allergies are more common than others
English Walnuts
Hazelnuts
Almonds
Cashews
Brazil Nuts
Pistachios, Pine Nuts, Macadamia Nuts are less commonly reported
Chestnuts, Black Walnuts, and Coconuts are very rare and almost never
studied
 Common Food Sources of Tree Nuts

o Snack and Trail Mixes o Barbeque Sauces

o Granola and Granola Bars o Some Cold Cuts
o Breakfast Cereals o Some Alcoholic Drinks
o Energy Bars o Salads and Salad Toppings
o Chocolates/Candies o Pasta Dishes and Sauces
o Flavored Coffee and Creamers o Seafood Dishes
o Snack Crackers o Ice Cream
o Cookies, Desserts, and Other Baked Goods o Smoothies and other blended beverages
o Marinades
 Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction
Symptoms vary from person to person and the severity of the individuals
allergy
Severe Symptoms Include
o Obstructive swelling of the lips,
tongue, and/or throat
o Trouble swallowing
o Shortness of breath or
wheezing
o Turning blue
o Drop in blood pressure (feeling
faint, confused, weak, passing
out)
o Loss of consciousness
o Chest pain
Mild Symptoms Include
o Hives (reddish, swollen, itchy areas on the skin)
o Rash (normally dry, itchy, and persistent)
o Redness of the skin or around the eyes
o Itchy mouth or inner ear
o Nausea or vomiting
o Diarrhea
o Stomach or abdominal pains
o Nasal congestion or a runny nose
o Sneezing
o Slight, dry cough
o Odd taste in mouth
o Uterine contractions
Treating/Managing a Tree Nut Allergy

There is no cure
The only treatment for a reaction is an epinephrine dose, and can be
administered by the individual through the form of an Epi Pen or other auto-
injectors
Recommended that one should always seek medical treatment, even when
Epi-Pen is affective in reversing the reaction
Recommended that those identified as having a tree nut allergy also be
allergen tested to identify other possible triggers
Large correlation between those with peanut allergies and tree nut allergies
Some possibility that the allergy can be outgrown but there is still a chance of
recurrence
Avoiding Accidental Contact

Be attentive
Read Labels
Check ingredient Lists
Check Allergen Statements
Ask Questions
Make restaurant staff aware of allergies
Double Check!
Look for Allergen Free Statements
References
Allergy/Allergen Definition. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, Web. 05Nov. 2015.
Fleischer, D. (2007). The Natural History of Peanut and Tree Nut Allergy. Current
Allergy & Asthma Reports, 7(3), 175-181.doi:10.1007/s11882-007-0018-y
Food Allergies: Reducing the Risks. (2015, September 10). Retrieved November 6,
2015, <http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm089307.htm>
Food Allergies: What You Need to Know. (2015, September 2). Retrieved November 6,
2015,<http://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/FoodAllergens/ucm0
79311.htm>
Sicherer, S., Munoz-Furlong, A., & Samson, H. (2003, December 11). Prevalence of
Peanut and Tree Nut Allergies in the US. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
Teuber, S., Comstock, S., Sathe, S., & Roux, K. (2003). Tree Nut Allergy. Current
Allergy & Asthma Reports, 3(1), 54-61.doi:10.1007/s11882-003-0013-x
Tree Nut Allergy - Food Allergy Research & Education. American Academyof Allergy,
Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). (n.d.). Retrieved November 6, 2015.
<http://www.foodallergy.org/allergens/tree-nut-allergy>
Any Questions