Hazelnut Allergy

Hazelnut; It is a beneficial nutrient source among nuts that reduces weight gain, regulates bowel movements, protects against cell damage, lowers cholesterol, and supports heart health. Hazelnuts are also one of the 8 most common food allergies that cause allergic reactions. Nut allergies tend to be severe and the effects can be serious. The usage area of ​​hazelnuts is also quite wide. Nuts are found in many food products such as cookies, cakes, pastries, chocolates, confectionery products, ice cream, breakfast cereals and bread. Additionally, hazelnut oil may pose a threat to patients with hazelnut allergies, as it tends to be more allergenic due to the method of processing, with the oil undergoing less processing at lower temperatures. Allergies to tree nuts are generally triggered by the main proteins found in nuts and seeds that are resistant to processes such as cooking. Allergies to tree nuts can also be caused by milder allergies called oral allergy syndrome. In oral allergy syndrome, people who are allergic to birch pollen generally also develop sensitivity to hazelnuts, and these sensitivity symptoms appear around the mouth. Allergic reaction to hazelnuts generally occurs in childhood. However, hazelnut allergy may develop in adults who have not had any allergic reactions before. Hazelnut allergy, unlike other food allergies, does not tend to improve and largely persists for life.

Hazelnut Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms of hazelnut allergy vary from mild to severe. While some people experience mild symptoms such as itching or rash, other people may experience life-threatening reactions.

Hazelnut allergies usually occur shortly after consuming hazelnuts. These symptoms are:
Hives (urticaria) or eczema on your skin,
allergic conjunctivitis in your eyes,

• Nausea,
• abdominal pain,
• vomiting or diarrhea,
• Wheezing,
• cough or runny nose,
• swelling of the lips, tongue or face (known as angioedema),
• Itching,
• Swelling,
• Burning in the mouth and throat,
• asthma or swollen throat),
• Anaphylaxis (allergic shock).

Anaphylaxis, or allergic shock, is a very serious condition and requires urgent medical attention. Anaphylaxis can cause death if not treated immediately.

Diagnosing Hazelnut Allergy

Hazelnut allergy is an allergy that can cause serious symptoms, and therefore, if you have hazelnut allergy symptoms, you should see an allergist immediately. Your allergist will diagnose you and your symptoms using appropriate diagnostic methods. Skin prick testing and blood testing are often used to diagnose food allergies. In blood test; The amount of antibodies in your blood is checked. In a skin prick test, a very small amount of the suspected allergen is placed under your skin. The area where the allergen is placed is examined for 15-20 minutes. If there is any redness or swelling in the applied area, it is concluded that you have an allergy. In some cases, these two tests may not reveal a clear result. In such cases, your allergist may also perform an oral food challenge test. This test must be performed under the supervision of an expert and in a center with emergency equipment. In this test, your allergist asks you to eat nuts. The effect of the hazelnuts you eat gradually and under the supervision of your doctor is observed by your allergist.

Treatment of Hazelnut Allergy

People with hazelnut allergies should avoid hazelnuts and all foods containing hazelnuts. Nut allergies tend to be serious. For this reason, the most effective treatment method will be to stay away from all products containing hazelnuts. People with hazelnut allergies are generally advised to avoid all tree nuts. Your allergist will give you information about which tree nuts you can eat and which tree nuts you should stay away from. Nuts can be found in many packaged foods. You should always read the label before buying any packaged food. In some cases, you may be exposed to hazelnuts without realizing it. In such cases, your allergist will prescribe you an adrenaline auto-injector, depending on the severity of your allergy. Your allergist will give detailed information about the usage details of the Adrenaline auto-injector.