What is a tree nut allergy?

October 3, 2009 · Posted in Food Allergy Basics, tree-nut-learn-more

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Tree nuts are seeds of some fruits that grow on trees. They include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts (filberts), macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts (pignoli or pinon), pistachio nuts, chestnuts, beechnuts, gingko nuts and hickory nuts. Of these, walnuts and cashews are the most common tree nuts to cause allergic reactions. Tree nuts are also cross-reactive with each other. This means that if you have an allergy to one or two tree nuts, there is a possibility that you will also be allergic to other tree nuts. For this reason, allergists may advise staying away from all tree nuts. Although tree nut allergies are not as well publicized as peanut allergies, both are equally severe and appropriate precautions must always be taken. Reactions can be very severe with a high rate of respiratory reactions making breathing difficult. Any reaction to a tree nut should be taken seriously.

Although they are from a different family, tree nuts may also cross-reactive with peanuts. However, a tree nut allergy does not necessarily mean that you will also be allergic to peanuts. Your allergist can advise if you should stay away from peanuts or not. Those allergic to tree nuts are not likely to also be allergic to coconut or nutmeg. However, this too is something you should check with your allergist, as it always a possibility. Water chestnuts are also not tree nuts.

Although some children may outgrow their food allergies, it is not very common for them to outgrow tree nut allergies.