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 who encounters a serious reaction (this may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightening, swelling, collapse, etc), follow their action plan or emergency instructions and call or have someone call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Adrenaline (Epinephrine) is the first-line treatment for Anaphylaxis. After administering Adrenaline (Epinephrine), seek emergency medical attention by calling Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
If you are unsure what to do, call Triple Zero (000).
If you or someone you know is suspected of having an allergy, it’s important to discuss diagnosis, symptoms and treatment 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, Action Plan or Necklace to ensure health care providers, family members, friends, colleagues and others are aware of your 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.
