Hypersensitivity type may be- Type I Allergy
Immune reactions may be from- IgE
Reactions may occur in- Minutes
A Hazelnut Allergy is an immune response from consuming or inhaling substances containing the proteins found in Hazelnuts.
Classified as a tree nut, hazelnuts are a true botanical nut and part of the Birch family (Betulaceae). As the Hazelnut is grown on a tree in the Birch family people who have a Pollen Allergy to Birch can experience Oral Allergy Syndrome.
HAZELNUTS 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
- 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
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. The symptoms also vary for an allergy to Hazelnuts and Oral Allergy Syndrome.
Some words (but not all) used to list hazelnuts on an ingredient label are- Hazelnut, Hazelnut oil, Corylus avellana, Corylus avellana seed oil, Corylus avellana (hazel) seed oil, Corylus avellana seed oil (Hazelnut seed oil).
If you're unsure, ask the place you're at or the manufacturer.
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 Hazelnut Allergy.
RANDOM ALLERGY FACT
Corylus Avellana (plant that grows Hazelnuts) was gifted in Ancient Rome in the belief that it brought happiness.
WHERE YOU MAY COME ACROSS HAZELNUTS
The below is not a complete list, but just some of the places you may come across Hazelnuts:
- Alcoholic drinks
- Cake
- Candy
- Cereals
- Chocolates
- Cookies
- Cosmetics
- Desserts
- Foundation
- Frozen desserts
- Energy bars
- Ice creams
- Lotions
- Moisturisers
- Natural extracts
- Nougat
- Hazelnut butters
- Hazelnut Oil
- Pastries
- Pie crusts
- Puddings
- Salad dressings
- Salads
- Shampoos
- Soups
- Toiletries
- Trail mix
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.
