Pistachio Allergy

Pistachio Allergy

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

Bursting in fibre, minerals and unsaturated fat, Pistachios are popular across the world and found in many popular cuisines (scroll below to see some common places they can be found in).

Pistachios are classified as tree nuts, pistachios aren't botanical nuts but are a drupe. A Pistachio Allergy occurs when there is an immune response from consuming or inhaling substances containing the proteins found in Pistachios.

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

PISTACHIOS 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.

PISTACHIO TREE NUT ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

Some of the allergic reaction 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

        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 Pistachio Allergy.

        LABELLING

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

        "Tree Nut Free" or "No Tree Nuts" or "Pistachio Free"

        RANDOM ALLERGY FACT

        Some people use the shells from pistachios around the base of plants in their gardens to deter snails and slugs. 

        WHERE YOU MAY COME ACROSS PISTACHIOS

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

        • 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

        Some words (but not all) used to list Pistachio on an ingredient label are- Pistachio, Pistachio Oil, Pistacia Vera, Pistacia Vera Seed Extract, Pistacia Vera Seed Oil, Pistacia Vera Shell Powder.

        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 YOU HAVE COME ACROSS WITH PISTACHIOS? HAVE YOU HAD AN EXPERIENCE WITH A PISTACHIO ALLERGY OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT HAS? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW


        1 comment


        • Ally

          Can you tell me if pistachio nut shells can cause allergic reactions in small children when used in childrens art and craft.


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