Almond Allergy

Hypersensitivity type may be- Type I Allergy
Immune reactions may be from- IgE
Reactions may occur in- Minutes

Almonds are from the Tree Nut family (Cashews, Pistachios, etc). An Almond allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a specific protein found in the almond that can lead to anaphylaxis.

Found in many places (scroll below to see list), Almonds aren't actually "technically" nuts, but are in fact seed of the almond fruit and are also part of the Rosaceae family.

The Rosaceae family includes apples, plums, strawberries, pears, medlars, blackberries, raspberries, loquats, almonds, peaches, apricots, quinces, cherries, sloes, and roses. What this means, is that for people with almond allergies they may also have a cross-reaction with a Pollen Allergy from the Birch Tree.

ALMONDS are a Tree Nut, which are one of the 10 most common food allergens in Australia, that all together account for 90% of food allergies in Australia.

ALMOND ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

Some of the almond allergy symptoms may be characterised by:

• Stomach pain
• Stomach cramps
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Trouble swallowing
• Itching of the mouth, throat, eyes, skin or any other area
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Nausea
• Urticaria/ Hives
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Asthma aggravation
• ANAPHYLAXIS

Almond in products can be shown as: Almond, Almond oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Prunus Dulcis Oil, Prunus Amygdalus, Prunus Amygdalus Oil, Almond Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Kernel Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil

The validity and severity of these symptoms are dependent on the individual and the level of exposure, as determined by a qualified health care provider.

ALMOND ALLERGY TREATMENT

If you experience or are in the presence of someone that encounters an immediate serious reaction (this may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightening, swelling, collapse, etc), call or have someone call triple zero (000) immediately.

In the case of a minor allergic reaction, people may use Antihistamines along with other medications based on their individual symptoms and prescribed treatments.

For severe allergic reactions Epinephrine may be used, followed by seeking emergency medical attention. However, some people may not be able to use Epinephrine due to particular reasons.

It’s important for anyone with an Allergy, to discuss treatments with a qualified health care provider to understand how to manage individual allergies and also to set up an Allergy Action Plan in the case of a reaction.

Always present your Allergy Card, Medical Alert Bracelet or Necklace to ensure health care providers, family members, friends, colleagues and others are aware of your Allergy or Allergies.

ALMOND ALLERGY TESTING

A skin test or blood test may be used to test for an Almond Allergy.

LABELLING

Some labels or terms you may come across on Almond Allergy friendly products:

"Tree Nut Free" "No Tree Nuts" "Almond Free"

RANDOM ALLERGY FACT

Almonds have been used all over the ages. In fact use of Almond as a milk can be traced back all the way to the Middle Ages!

WHERE YOU MAY COME ACROSS ALMONDS

The below is not a complete list, but just some of the places you may come across Almonds:

• Alcoholic drinks
• Barbecue sauce
• Cake
• Candy
• Cereals
• Chilis
• Chocolates
• Cookies
• Cosmetics
• Curries
• Desserts
• Foundation
• Frozen desserts
• Glazes
• Grain breads
• Granola
• Gravy
• Hams
• High-energy bars
• Honey
• Hot chocolate
• Hot sauce
• Ice creams
• Lotions
• Marinades
• Natural extracts
• Nougat
• Nut butters
• Oil
• Pastries
• Pesto
• Pie crusts
• Puddings
• Salad dressings
• Salads
• Sauces
• Scalp creams
• Shampoos
• Soups
• Toiletries
• Trail mix
• Veggie burgers

The information provided on Allergy Life Australia is to generally educate and inform you about living with allergies, intolerances and conditions, and is not intended as medical instruction or as a substitute for diagnosis, examination and advice by a qualified health care provider.

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ARE THERE ANY OTHER PLACES WITH ALMONDS YOU HAVE COME ACROSS? HAVE YOU HAD AN EXPERIENCE WITH AN ALMOND ALLERGY OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT HAS? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW