Nuts - a valuable product, rich in vitamins, useful fatty acids and essential minerals for the body. However, the absorption of goodies can cause acute reactions in some people by the immune system. An allergy to nuts develops, the symptoms of which make one feel severe discomfort from various organs and systems.
What are the causes of the negative response of the body? What does a nut allergy look like? What is the treatment in case of a problem? All this in detail in the publication.
The mechanism of an allergic reaction
Could there be an allergy to nuts? Similar reactions are often observed among individuals whose body is prone to incorrect perception of certain components in food. In the case of eating nuts in such people, active production of class E immunoglobulins is noted. Specific antibodies are retained on the membrane structures of mast cells. During the next eating of nuts, histamines, serotonin, prostaglandins leave these cells. A high concentration of these compounds in the blood structure provokes the development of a strong allergic reaction.
The pathological phenomenon conceals a considerable danger. Since the allergic person probably does not know what negative consequences will occur when eating certain types of nuts. Sometimes acute reactions occur even as a result of the nearby product and inhalation of aroma. The next time, the negative effects can be almost imperceptible.
About the reasons
The allergy-causing nuts contain specific proteins to which the body exhibits abnormal reactions in the presence of immune malfunctions. Such substances are often perceived as foreign agents. The phenomenon is noted among children, both parents of which are allergic. It is bad heredity that acts as the most common cause of the problem.
Often, unpleasant symptoms of a nut allergy develop in babies if the mother observes an unbalanced, erratic diet during pregnancy. And also when breast milk. According to the observations of researchers, the likelihood of developing abnormal reactions of the body to such food arises if a woman in position used an abundance of nuts.
Symptomatology
Among the characteristic symptoms of a nut allergy are the following reactions:
- skin - the formation of foci of rash, the appearance of puffiness, the coating of individual sections of the epidermis with painful red spots;
- respiratory organs - congestion of the upper paths, frequent sneezing, bouts of dry cough;
- digestive system - swelling and numbness of the tongue, a feeling of bloating, fullness of the abdominal cavity, attacks of nausea and vomiting, diarrhea;
- cardiovascular system - a rapid drop in blood pressure to critical levels.
In the most difficult cases, loss of consciousness is added to the above symptoms of a nut allergy. If the aggressive reaction of the immune system to the action of the stimulus is not stopped in time, the problem is likely to worsen, up to cardiac arrest. The condition when a combination of the above symptoms manifests itself is known in clinical practice by the definition of anaphylactic shock.
Diagnostics
To identify an allergy to nuts, a photo of the symptoms of which can be seen in the article, the doctor collects an anamnesis. The diagnostician is interested in the nature of the patient’s reactions to the use of the product, the duration of negative phenomena, the presence of family members suffering from similar manifestations.
In order to confirm the assumption that there is an allergy to nuts in a child or an adult, skin tests are performed. It is about creating a series of scratches on the surface of the skin where the alleged irritant is applied. If a rash soon arises here, the reaction confirms the presence of an allergy.
Additionally, a blood test is performed. The study reveals whether the immune system produces specific antibodies as a response to the intake of protein elements of the nut.
The most effective solution for confirming the diagnosis is a provocative test. The technique makes it possible to identify an allergy to nuts with 100 percent certainty. Initially, a person is offered a small dose of the alleged irritant by lubricating the lips. In the absence of negative consequences, after a while, the norm is increased. Between the effects should be expected, which allows us to note signs of allergic irritation.
Epipen
As medical reviews show, with an allergy to nuts, you should always have the Epipen preparation on hand. The main active substance in the composition of the medication is epinephrine. The introduction of a substance into the body is considered a prerequisite if there are prerequisites for the development of anaphylactic shock. Allergy sufferers suffering from the development of abnormal immune system reactions to eating nuts should be asked to give a doctor a prescription for the purchase of this drug. The physician must instruct the patient regarding the specifics of independently performing injections with the help of the drug.
Suprastin
The drug acts as a highly effective medicine to suppress allergic reactions of various nature. The effect of the drug is the ability to block the production of histamines, which trigger negative reactions from the body to the action of certain agents. The use of funds provides a quick relief of discomfort after the development of an allergy to nuts and other food products. In addition to the main action, the drug produces a calming effect on the body, removes the effects of allergies in the form of urticaria and skin itching.
After taking the medication, it is almost immediately absorbed in the intestine. Removing the symptoms of an allergic reaction is observed within half an hour. The effect lasts for a period of 3 to 6 hours. Suprastin tablets are taken orally, washed down with copious amounts of water.
The medicine is also available in injectable form. In the case of acute allergic reactions, the drug is injected into the body by drip. The procedure should be performed exclusively under the supervision of a qualified physician.
Loratadine
"Loratadine" is a powerful long-acting antiallergic drug. The biologically active substance of the same name blocks the synthesis of histamines, which are responsible for the occurrence of characteristic allergy symptoms. Taking the medication reduces capillary permeability. The result is the elimination of skin rashes, swelling, muscle cramps.
The use of the product greatly facilitates the course of food allergies. A positive effect is observed within 30-40 minutes after taking the tablets. The effect of the drug is maintained throughout the day. Reception "Loratadina" does not affect the inhibition of the functions of the nervous system and is not addictive.
Tavegil
The drug has proven to be highly effective in eliminating food allergic reactions. The medication is often used during secondary therapy after an injection of adrenaline to prevent anaphylactic shock. Taking the medication provides stabilization of overall well-being, eliminates the negative skin reactions that arose as a result of eating nuts and other products.
The Tavegil solution is administered intramuscularly if signs of an acute allergic reaction occur. Adults are prescribed injections in a volume of not more than 2 ml of the drug per day. In order to treat children, the norm is calculated based on the ratio of 0.025 ml of the drug per kilogram of body weight.
Enterosgel
Using antihistamines to treat nut allergies may not be a very effective solution if substances that trigger a negative reaction remain in the intestines. To eliminate the trouble, doctors advise using a strong sorbent Enterosgel. The tool binds allergens and toxins that linger in the structure of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Then follows the rapid elimination of marked elements from the body.
Biologically active components of the drug act like a sponge, absorbing harmful substances, waste products of pathogenic bacteria. Cleansing the intestines of agents that can cause food allergies is observed in about 6-7 hours. As a result, a person who is subject to an incorrect reaction of the body to the use of such food, feels noticeable relief.
Enterosgel is not forbidden to use along with antihistamines, which looks like an obvious advantage of the medicine. As a result of performing therapy using the drug, the intestine is not only freed from allergens and toxic toxins, but also the motility of the walls of the digestive organs is stabilized.
Useful Tips
So we figured out how an allergy to nuts manifests itself, and what therapy is used to eliminate the problem. Finally, we will talk about the rules, the observance of which will avoid the occurrence of a negative reaction of the body to the stimulus:
- Before eating food in public catering establishments, you should inquire about the nature of the ingredients of the dishes. Cooks can cook using nuts and peanut butter.
- It is important to inform loved ones about the presence of allergies. People should know what symptoms accompany the onset of the reaction. In the event of anaphylactic shock, relatives should promptly offer the patient a medicine.
- If there is an allergy to nuts in an adult, the latter should always have the Epipen preparation in stock for the injection.
- In a person’s first-aid kit, subject to a specific reaction to an irritant, potent antihistamines must be present. Similar remedies can be used along with epinephrine, which will avoid serious troubles.
- Do not let the reaction to gravity. If necessary, you should immediately take the help of doctors, calling an ambulance. If there is a critical decrease in blood pressure, respiratory depression, impaired heart rate, for some time after the development of symptoms should be under the supervision of a doctor.
Finally
It is simply impossible to cure an allergy to nuts in a child and an adult. The problem remains with the person for the rest of his life. However, it is quite realistic to prevent the development of acute body reactions to the stimulus, which will allow to avoid a number of negative consequences. For these purposes, it is important to exclude nuts from the diet, be interested in the composition of dishes before eating, and carry antihistamines with you. If the slightest hint of a return of an allergy occurs, you should seek help from doctors.