Pine nut allergy is a type of tree nut allergy. Although eating pine nuts as a standalone snack is not a common practice, several chocolates, desserts, sauces, and salads contain the nut, which in turn can trigger the allergic reactions in sensitive people.

Reasons for Pine Allergy

In people with Pine nut sensitivity, the body fails to recognize the pine nut proteins and creates antibodies to fight it. This results in the immunoglobulin E attacking the offending proteins. The chemical histamine also floods the body and results in inflammatory symptoms. Of the 30 odd proteins identified in pine nuts, at least 3 can cause allergic reactions. A forth protein called as 17-kDa has been recently identified as a pine nut allergen.

Tree nut allergies have been proved cross-reactive and it is likely that you may be allergic to pine if you are allergic to any other tree nut.

Pine Nut Allergy Symptoms

The allergic symptoms caused by ingestion of pine nuts can vary from mild to life threatening. Anaphylaxis is a severe form of allergy that can cause a fatal drop in blood pressure of the patient leading to loss of consciousness. Such a condition requires immediate medical attention. The other milder symptoms of the allergy can include:

• Itching and redness of the skin
• Eczema can be transformed into skin hives
• Runny nose and streaming eyes
• Abdominal cramps along with nausea and vomiting
• Wheezing and shortness of breath

Diagnostic Tests for Pine Nut Allergy

• Skin prick test- a small amount of the pine nut is injected under the skin in order to check whether it provokes the allergic symptoms to appear.
• Blood Test- A small quantity of blood sample taken from the patient is analyzed for the presence of IgE which is an antibody formed to battle against allergens.

Treating Pine Nut Allergy Symptoms

• Avoiding all forms of pine nuts including raw and cooked. Pollens from the pine tree may also be responsible for allergic conditions, so stay clear of pine trees and handling of pinecones and nuts.
• OTC drugs like anti histamine pills help to relieve the respiratory problems.
• An eye drop may contain the eye infection that results from allergy.
• Corticosteroids as well as medicated skin lotions help in abating the skin rashes as the skin ceases to itch.
• An Epi-pen is an injecting device containing epinephrine which can be self-injected during anaphylactic shock.
• Loss of consciousness needs immediate medical treatment and hospitalization.

You may be peeved at the turn of events if you discover that you have pine nut allergy However, it is best to control the allergy by trying to stay away from nuts at all costs than spend a fortune over anti-histamines and other drugs.

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