Why are Nut Allergies Increasing?

Over three million Americans are allergic to peanuts or tree nuts with the most common belonging to peanuts. In the United States, peanuts count for the number one cause of fatal anaphylactic reactions triggered by a food allergy.

People are not necessarily allergic to only one type of nut; some people actually have multiple nut allergies. Once you have a nut allergy, no matter the age in which the allergy developed, it is unlikely you will outgrow the allergy. Children generally develop food allergies in their first two years of life; however, adults can also develop allergies without having been allergic as a child.

Two hypotheses exist as to why nut allergies are increasing.

• The first hypothesis links the possibility of the common exposure to peanut oils found in most lotions. This exposure can cause an unknown internal chemical reaction in the body, hence, creating an allergic reaction to nuts.
• The next hypothesis links the delay of introduction of peanut products into the body, significantly increases the risk of developing a nut allergy later in life. Under this hypothesis, children should be exposed to peanut products early in life. Some pediatricians have warned parents to wait to expose their child to peanut products until an appropriate age but some researchers argue that waiting may increase their risk of developing the food allergy.

Neither hypothesis has been tested for accuracy nor has any scientific proof emerged as a result. These hypotheses are simply educated guesses and are not intended as an explanation.

The following symptoms are linked to nut allergies but are not exclusive. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following after being exposed to and/or eating peanuts or tree nuts:

• · Hives
• · Diarrhea
• · Vomiting
• · Swelling of the face, eyes, lips or throat
• · Anaphylactic shock
• · Abdominal Pain
• · Asthma