When I was 7 years old, I was diagnosed with an allergy to tree nuts and sesame seeds. I was always fine consuming nuts when I was younger, but I gradually started getting reactions when I would eat certain types of bread or nuts. I remember my mouth feeling as if it were on fire after eating a handful of walnuts. One day after eating a slice of bread, I broke out in hives, my tongue and mouth felt as if it were on fire and my throat began close up.
My mom, who realized that my reactions could have serious consequences, promptly took me to the allergist.
After an excruciatingly long appointment, I found out that I had developed a tree nut and sesame seed allergy. Although it was disappointing to know that I couldn’t consume nuts anymore, it was a relief to know that there was a root cause to the symptoms I was experiencing.
Living with a nut allergy is not too difficult. It just requires me to be extra vigilant and mindful of what I am consuming.
Sesame seeds, for example, are not limited to the topping of a bagel or bread. It can commonly be found in Asian cuisine, stir fry, hummus, breadcrumbs, rolls and ramen noodles.
Nuts are likewise hidden in sneaky places. In addition to bread and baked goods, they can be found in lotions, soaps, shampoos, pasta sauces, meats, pesto, candies, coffee and are paired with chocolate in desserts.
What is alarming to a number of people is when I tell them I have a nut allergy and then proceed to eat a handful of peanuts.
No, I am not ignorant of the fact that I have an allergy or want to endanger my life. I am not allergic to peanuts. Despite its name, peanuts are not nuts. In fact, they don’t even grow on trees, they grow underground. Peanuts are classified as legumes, which means that they are in the same food family as peas and soybeans.
Why do food allergies occur?
According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), allergic reactions occur when the body recognizes certain foods as toxic and harmful to the body.
Some will get a reaction while being in the presence of an allergen, like seafood, which can prohibit them from going to parties or even flying. While others, just have to consume it before symptoms show.
The severity of the symptoms really varies on the person. For those with mild symptoms, reactions can range from hives, stomach pain and itchiness of the mouth. Severe allergic reactions can include dizziness, loss of consciousness and inability to breathe.
When someone’s reaction becomes severe, they are told to administer epinephrine, otherwise known as an EpiPen.
If an allergic reaction is left untreated, it can result in anaphylactic shock, a life threatening reaction. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, anaphylaxis is ” a life-threatening whole-body allergic reaction that can impair your breathing, cause a dramatic drop in your blood pressure and affect your heart rate.”
Thankfully, the severity of my reactions thus far has never resulted in using an EpiPen or a visit to the emergency room.
Will I ever outgrow it?
It is highly unlikely. Research conducted by John Hopkins University found that only 9 percent of people diagnosed with nut allergies during their childhood outgrow of the allergy upon adulthood.
