West Midlands
Nut & Seed Allergy Testing
Nut and seed allergies occur when your immune system reacts to the proteins found in certain nuts and seeds. Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts (like almonds, walnuts, and cashews), sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and others. These reactions can range from mild symptoms, such as itching or swelling, to more severe reactions like difficulty breathing or even life-threatening anaphylaxis. Understanding your allergy is crucial to managing it effectively, and OneMedicine is here to help.
Cost
- Focused GP appointment (15min) £75
- Standard GP appointment (30min) £120
Symptoms of nut & seed allergy
Nut and seed allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, which may appear within minutes to hours after exposure. Common symptoms include:
- Skin reactions: Itching, hives, or swelling around the mouth, face, or other areas.
- Digestive issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort.
- Respiratory problems: Sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
- Oral allergy syndrome: A tingling or itching sensation in the mouth or throat after consuming nuts or seeds.
- Anaphylaxis: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction, characterised by difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, or loss of consciousness. Immediate medical attention and adrenaline (EpiPen) are required.
Recognising these symptoms early and seeking prompt medical care is vital, particularly if severe reactions like anaphylaxis develop.
Causes of nut & seed allergies
Nut and seed allergies are triggered by proteins found in specific nuts and seeds. Common triggers include:
– Tree nuts: Almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, and more.
– Peanuts: Although technically a legume, peanuts can trigger severe allergic reactions similar to tree nuts.
– Sesame seeds: Becoming more common, sesame seed allergy can cause mild to severe symptoms.
– Other seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds can also cause reactions, though they are less common.
For individuals with nut or seed allergies, even a small amount of the allergen can lead to a reaction.
How we diagnose nut & seed allergy
At OneMedicine, diagnosing a nut or seed allergy involves a combination of methods.
We begin with a thorough review of your medical history, discussing your symptoms, when they occur, and your diet to identify possible triggers.
Additionally, blood tests may be used to measure specific IgE antibodies in response to nut or seed proteins, confirming the likelihood of an allergy.
If the results are inconclusive, an elimination diet may be recommended, where nuts and seeds are removed from your diet to see if symptoms improve.
A skin prick test can be performed by a Allergy Specialist, applying a small amount of nut or seed extract to the skin, followed by a tiny prick; if you’re allergic, a red bump will appear within 15-20 minutes.
These diagnostic methods help pinpoint the allergens responsible and guide appropriate management.
What we test for?
We offer a comprehensive Nut and Seed Allergy IgE blood test to help identify immediate allergic reactions. These reactions are typically caused by the immune system producing IgE antibodies in response to specific foods and may result in symptoms like itching, swelling, rashes, or more serious responses such as anaphylaxis.
Our Nut IgE Allergy Profile (£110) tests for a wide range of common nuts including almond, Brazil nut, cashew nut, chestnut, coconut, hazelnut, macadamia nut, peanut, pecan nut, pine nut, pistachio, walnut, and sesame seed.
We also offer individual Seed Allergy IgE tests, including fennel seed, poppy seed, sesame seed, and sunflower seed. These tests are useful if you suspect a specific sensitivity or have experienced symptoms after eating certain seeds.
How to manage nut & seed allergy
To manage nut and seed allergies, it’s important to strictly avoid the foods that trigger reactions and be prepared in case of accidental exposure. Key steps include:
- Adrenaline auto-injector: If you’ve had severe reactions before, carrying an adrenaline auto-injector (like an EpiPen) is crucial. It can save your life by quickly stopping severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, and should be used immediately if needed.
- Antihistamines: For mild reactions, over-the-counter antihistamines like Cetirizine can help relieve symptoms like itching or hives. However, they won’t help with severe reactions and should not replace adrenaline when it’s needed.
- Medical alert bracelet: Wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace lets emergency responders know about your allergy, ensuring they can give you the right treatment quickly.
- Avoidance and reading labels: Carefully checking food labels is vital to avoid accidentally eating nuts or seeds. Many foods may have hidden ingredients, so it’s important to stay alert.
- Substitute products: Nut-free alternatives, like sunflower seed butter or soy products, can be a safe option. However, make sure these products aren’t made on equipment shared with nuts to avoid contamination.
Do you have other questions?
If you suspect a nut or seed allergy, early testing and diagnosis are essential to managing it safely. At OneMedicine, we offer comprehensive testing and personalised advice to help you navigate your allergy and live confidently.
