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OAS and nuts?

On Health & Drugs & Medications » Allergies & Asthma

3,139 words with 3 Comments; publish: Fri, 14 Dec 2007 21:17:00 GMT; (90062.50, « »)

Okay, something I read in a link USAmma psted for me on OAS just reminded me of a question I've been meaning to ask for months! Does anyone here who has OAS experience a reaction to any kind of nuts (the article mentioned hazlenuts as a trigger food for those with Birch allergies)?

The reason I ask is because about five months ago, totally out of the blue, I started having issues with almonds. As soon as I would eat one, my ears would start to get itchy, soemthing that had never happened to me in the past. Then it happened with peanut butter, again, a new thing. Now, the peanut butter I've been able to eat again with no problem, but after a few episodes with the almonds (I wanted to make sure I wasn't just going crazy), I've steered clear of them. I decided that pregnancy was not a good time to be testing myself for allergies!

Anyway, like all of my OAS problem foods, I have been able to eat foods cooked with peanuts and almonds without any issue. I just don't recall ever reading anything about nuts and OAS, as it seems to usually be related to fruits and vegetables.

So, any thoughts?

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  • 3 Comments
    • I do with tree nuts but not legumes (including peanuts). I carry an epipen as my reactions to tree nuts, peaches, and cherries are so severe. For me, cooking fixes everything other OAS food except those items - can't do them in any form. I can eat peanuts galore though.

      Best,

      Emily

      #1; Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:25:00 GMT
    • I do with tree nuts but not legumes (including peanuts). I carry an epipen as my reactions to tree nuts, peaches, and cherries are so severe. For me, cooking fixes everything other OAS food except those items - can't do them in any form. I can eat peanuts galore though.

      Best,

      Emily

      So, you can't eat them at all, but they're not a true food allergy for you? Interesting...

      #2; Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:26:00 GMT
    • According to my docs OAS is a true allergy but connected to/because of all the severe pollen allergies I have. "OAS is an allergic reaction to certain (usually fresh) fruits, nuts, and vegetables. The allergy is not actually an allergy to food but a syndrome that develops in hay fever sufferers. The immune system mistakes the food proteins for the pollen proteins and causes an allergic reaction...The most common reaction is an itching or burning sensation in the lips, mouth, and/or pharynx. Sometimes other reactions can be triggered in the eyes, nose, and skin. The most severe reactions can result in asthma problems or anaphylaxis." Tree nuts, cherries, and peaches all cause the latter in me - asthma acts up and throat closes up + itchy ears. They have gotten worse as I've gotten older. I could eat fruit galore in elementary school but not by high school. I used to have only severe reactions to filberts and hazelnuts as a child, then walnuts got worse, then almonds but not til after age 25. So, I just avoid tree nuts regardless of kind at this point - not a fan of the epipen & ER visit. This website shows some links between OAS and nuts and legumes http://www.calgaryallergy.ca/Articles/English/Oral_Food_Allergy.htm

      Good luck,

      Emily

      #3; Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:27:00 GMT