Nuts and Seeds Allergy Testing

Amongst the most common food allergies, nut and seed allergies can range from the mild to the life threatening.

Overview

What is a nut or seed allergy?

Nut and seed allergies can be a complex and often confusing form of food allergy because not everything that looks like a nut or seed is one (a peanut actually belongs to a food group called legumes), and some things that appear to be one thing are something else entirely (a coconut, for example, is a seed).

This can make it all but impossible to know by sight whether you will be allergic to a certain nut or seed, which is why testing can prove essential.

Nut and seed allergies, like all food allergies, are triggered by a reaction to certain proteins. If you are allergic to a single protein occurring in just one food (e.g. peanuts) you’ll have a reaction against that food only. Where a protein is present in many foods, or where your body reacts to several proteins, you may be allergic to several foods.

Some nut allergies (about 20%) can diminish or clear over time, although 20% can also worsen with age. Peanut and tree nut allergies often appear first in children, but it is not unusual for adults to experience a nut or seed reaction without any indication of allergy during childhood. Research has shown that skin contact with nuts and seeds very rarely results in a reaction. Serious reactions (anaphylaxis) because of skin contact alone are even rarer.

What are the symptoms of a nut or seed allergy?

A nut or seed allergy can affect several areas of the body, often at the same time. Severity varies, but peanuts and tree nuts are two of the most common causes of the most severe symptom: anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis causes breathing difficulties and faintness, and can be fatal if left untreated. If you suspect anaphylaxis, dial 999.

Less severe symptoms may include:

• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Persistent coughing
• Vomiting
• A raised, red, itchy rash anywhere on the body (hives)
• Swelling around the face, particularly the eyes, lips, tongue and roof of the mouth
• Dizziness

If children suffer an allergic reaction to nuts or seeds they may appear ‘floppy’ or listless.

Treatment

The simplest ‘treatment’ is to avoid nuts and seeds. That can be a challenge, as nuts and seeds (or oils and butters which use them) are common ingredients in bread, cakes and many processed foods. They can also be present in body lotions and shampoos. Always read food or product labelling, and if you are eating out make your server is aware of your allergy and ask for confirmation that your chosen dishes contain no allergens.

If you are at risk of a serious allergic reaction, talk to your GP about carrying an adrenaline auto-injector, which can help reduce the severity of an anaphylactic reaction.

How do I get tested?

Better2Know’s nut and seed allergy testing covers a wide range of foods including:

• Almond
• Brazil Nut
• Cashew
• Hazel Nut
• Macadamia Nut
• Peanut
• Pecan
• Pine Nut
• Pistachio
• Poppy Seed
• Pumpkin Seed
• Sesame Seed
• Sunflower Seed
• Walnut

The simple blood test results in a positive or negative result, giving you reassurance as to the foods you can and cannot eat.

To book your test, contact Better2Know on the number above to speak to a member of our team.