Food allergies are common. While people can be allergic to any food, allergies to fruits, seafood, and nuts tend to have the most severe reactions. Cashews are a form of tree nuts. They have a slightly sweet taste to them that can easily make them a favorite. However, along with walnuts they are the two tree nuts that can be the most deadly. People who are allergic to cashews should avoid them altogether. If cashews are consumed inadvertently, medical attention should be rendered immediately.
Allergic reactions are different for different people. Just as some people may be able to consume cashews, while to others they are toxic. Reactions can be mild or severe. With the most severe reactions sometimes being fatal.
Mild Reactions
- Upset Stomach: With food allergies most of the time something is ingested before the reaction takes place. This is why an upset stomach is a very common symptom. Often times this will just be a mild case of nausea. However, it can also include vomiting and diarrhea. Both vomiting and diarrhea can dehydrate the body. If either of these symptoms occur for a prolonged period of time, a doctor should be consulted.
- Skin Rash: A skin rash caused from an allergic reaction to cashews may be mild or severe. Most likely a mild rash will be pink in color, hot to the touch, itchy, and sometimes slightly swollen. This type of rash is probably more common, but more severe cases of hives or eczema can also occur.
- Itching: The itching sensation may stem from a skin rash, but it doesn't have to. Often times the eyes, roof of the mouth, and throat may itch. If this symptom occurs a physician should be consulted as it could be the result of slight swelling in the face.
Severe Reactions
- Difficulty Breathing: This can come in two ways. The first can be caused by excessive swelling blocking an airway. This is probably the most common, but difficulty breathing doesn't have to be associated with any other symptoms. Someone may experience wheezing or an asthma-like attack. They may experience a feeling of panic as well. Even in mild cases if there is any difficulty breathing medical attention should be sought immediately.
- Swelling: If there is a skin rash it may swell slightly. While that may not be dangerous, any swelling to face or throat is. With an allergic reaction to cashews, the face or throat could swell immediately. If the swelling is severe, it can block airways making it nearly impossible to breathe.
- Anaphylaxis: This is the most dangerous symptom and while it can happen with any allergy, it's most common in food allergies and insect stings. This is a severe whole body allergic reaction. It consists of extreme swelling in the face and throat, the airways will block and the person will not be able to breathe, and a drop in blood pressure will put the person in anaphylactic shock. This can be fatal if not treated immediately.
References:
Groce, Victoria. Tree Nut Allergies. About.com, 2008
Emily Retherford - I am a professional freelance writer and a single mom! I love my career because it gives me the time to put my kids first. I like to be ...
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