Pecans are tree nuts which are edible and are used in various food products such as cookies, candies and sauces. However, pecan can cause an allergy, often resulting in a severe allergic reaction. Pecan allergy comes under tree nut allergy. People with pecan allergy have high chances of being allergic to other tree nuts such as cashews, walnuts, almonds, and Brazil nuts etc. Avoiding pecan nuts and its by products is the only way to prevent an allergy.
What Causes Pecan Allergy?
Pecan allergy is caused due to the proteins present in the pecan. Since similar proteins are present in other tree nuts, a person allergic to pecan would also be allergic to other nuts. An allergy to pecan nuts develops in the early years and usually persists.
Symptoms:
- Itchy skin. Hives, redness, rashes
- Runny nose, watery eyes
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Breathlessness, dizziness, low blood pressure. These are the symptoms of anaphylaxis, which can lead to death. If these symptoms are detect, the patient should be administered epinephrine immediately to control the allergic reaction
How to Prevent Pecan Allergy?
- Strictly avoid pecan nut and products made from pecan nut
- Reading the labels can help you to know the products made from pecan nut
- Be careful while cooking, as even traces of pecan can cause an allergy
- Pecan nut may be present in sauces and may be used in food made in restaurants. Inquiring about the ingredients can help you to avoid an allergic reaction
- Stay away from almonds, walnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts and other tree nuts
Testing and Treatment:
Blood testing and skin tests can be done to check for pecan nut allergy. In most cases, people with pecan nut can be allergic to other tree nuts. Hence, getting yourself tested for other tree nuts is important. Sometimes, an allergic to pecan nut can also be allergic to peanut.
Once an allergy is detected, your allergist may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids to treat the reaction. Also, it is also important to always carry a self-injectable epinephrine to prevent an allergic reaction.
