Almond is a native of Middle East; it was later on spread to Africa, Europe and recently few centuries ago to America, notably in California.
Allergy To Almonds
Almond is a tree nut similar to other nuts such as walnut or pistachios. Recently nuts have become notorious because of their allergy manifestation in many individuals, the world over.
Almond allergy affects both children and adults. Compared to peanut allergy, almond allergy is often mild. Children, who develop almond allergy, often outgrow it later in their life.
Almond Allergy Causes
Almond allergy is caused due to its protein; it is a heat resistant protein.
The heat resistant almond protein is destroyed quickly in our stomach after eating almond. Therefore, the action of this protein is limited and mild.
Almond Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms of almond allergy are usually mild and occur instantly after eating them, or after a period of time.
Common symptoms include
- Tingling on tongue and in the mouth after eating almond.
- Swelling of lips and tongue.
- Itching with mild urticaria.
- Pain in abdomen.
- Vomiting.
- Cough and breathlessness.
- Wheezing similar to asthma.
- Anaphylaxis reaction in extremely hypersensitive individual to almond.
The severity of almond allergy varies from person to person.
Treatment For Almond Allergy
- The aim is to alleviate the symptoms of almond allergy.
- Modern day medical practitioners prescribe antihistaminic, from their armory of medicines.
- In case of anaphylaxis reaction, emergency treatment and hospitalization becomes necessary.
- Some home remedies act well if the symptoms are mild. Ginger and honey mixed in warm water is useful in case of abdominal cramps and vomiting.
Avoid food containing almonds such as puddings, chocolates and cakes.