Cashew Allergy

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

Shaped in the form of a kidney, Cashews (also known as Cashew Nuts) are a versatile drupe from the Tree Nut family (Pistachios, Almonds, etc), cultivated in warm climates around the world.

Even though they are classified as tree nuts, Cashews aren't botanical nuts but are a drupe. A Cashew Nut allergy occurs when there is an immune response from consuming or inhaling substances containing the proteins found in Cashews.

Cashew allergies often cross-react with pistachios and can cross-react with pink (red) peppercorns, which means people with a Cashew Allergy may be allergic to pistachios and pink peppercorns. As they are in the same botanical family -Anacardiaceae Family

A constant in many foods (scroll below to see the some common products it can be found in).

CASHEWS 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

SYMPTOMS

Some of the symptoms may be characterised by:

• Stomach pain
• Stomach cramps
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• 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

Cashews in products can be shown as: Cashew, Cashew nut, Cashew oil, Anacardium occidentale, Anacardium occidentale extract, Anacardium occidentale nut oil, Anacardium occidentale seed oil, cardanol oil (cashew shell 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.

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.

TESTING

A skin test or blood test may be used to test for a Cashew Allergy.

LABELLING

Some labels or terms you may come across on Cashew Allergy or Tree Nut Allergy friendly products:

"Tree Nut Free" or "No Tree Nuts" or "Cashew Free"

RANDOM ALLERGY FACT

The shell of the cashew nut are used in lubricants and waterproofing.

WHERE YOU MAY COME ACROSS CASHEWS

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

• Alcoholic drinks (Feni)
• Barbecue sauce
• Cake
• Candy
• Cereals
• Chili
• Chocolates
• Cookies
• Cosmetics
• Curries
• Foundation
• Frozen desserts
• Glazes
• Grain breads
• Granola
• Gravy
• Hams
• High-energy bars
• Honey
• Hot chocolate
• Hot sauce
• Ice creams
• Lotions
• Marinades
• Marzipan
• Mole sauce
• Mortadella
• 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.

---

ARE THERE ANY OTHER PRODUCTS YOU HAVE COME ACROSS WITH CASHEWS? HAVE YOU HAD AN EXPERIENCE WITH A CASHEW ALLERGY OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT HAS? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW