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Weird reaction when I eat nuts

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Posted 1/1/2008 10:52 PM (GMT -8)
I have recently discovered an weird reaction when I eat nuts of any kind or anything that I eat that has been "processed" on a machine that touches nut/seeds. My throst feels fuzzy and like it could be closing---but I seem to be able to breathe and when I went to the ER, they said they couldn't see anything---but I know what I'm feeling! I've tested it out---I've eaten something that I think is completely safe---had that reaction---and then read the label---and lo and behold----made on machinery... The reaction lasts for a few hours sometimes and really scares me----but it doesn's seem to get real bad like anaphalactic shock bad. Someone said that it was an immune system problem. Does anyone know if that's true? I get no other symptoms---just my throat and tongue. Help!
Posted 1/2/2008 6:24 AM (GMT -8)
My husband is the same way when it comes to walnuts. He has never had anaphalatic shock, just a weird tingling itchy feeling in his throat. He also knows when any other type of food comes into contact with walnuts.
Allergies are immune based. An allergen enters your body in which your body thinks is a foreign invader and starts the histamine reaction. If an allergy is bad enough, it causes an inflammation process which is the anaphylactic shock and/or hives. Some people have great results with allergy shots. Allergy shots are filled with what you are allergic to and given in small doses - this is so your body can become accustomed to that "foreign invader" in your body.
Have you been to an allergist for this problem yet?
Posted 1/3/2008 1:37 PM (GMT -8)
Enufworry,

Don't eat anymore nuts. You may not be going into anaphylactic shock, but that does not mean you are not having an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylactic shock is the most serious reaction. They can range from mild (just a couple symptoms as you described), all the way to shock and death.

The simplest thing you can do is; stop eating nuts. You know what happens, no need to test it anymore. Find an allergist. Get tested with skin and blood tests. The good thing is, it is becoming easier to avoid the nuts, as now alot of packaging has labelling laws. 

Find an allergist though. The first step in figuring out what's going on!

 

Posted 1/3/2008 5:54 PM (GMT -8)
Nuts are the number one food allergy for adults so I have heard. Please stay away from them and find a good allergist.
Posted 1/3/2008 10:47 PM (GMT -8)

Thanks all---

I actually did go to an allergist awhile ago and nuts did NOT come up on the skin tests.  I didn't know that there was a blood test too.  I will check that out.  I do try to stay away from nuts and you are right---labels do now give some pretty good info. and I'm pretty good at remembering to ask if things have nuts in them----but it's really a pain and sometimes I just don't think that nuts/seeds could possibly be around.  I get scared to eat in Chinese restaurants or even some buffets or salad bars.  Is peanut oil the same?  Do you think that an allergist can "cure" this particular allergy???  If it's an immune system problem is there something that I can take to support or enhance my immune system so that I can get back to eating nuts/seeds? 

I also have the same type of mild but scary reaction to some drugs---it's really weird.  How do you test for that?

Best to you all,

L       

Posted 1/4/2008 5:34 AM (GMT -8)
What medicines are you on? If you go in for an allergy test, certain meds can give a false reading. Blood tests are bit better, but no allergy test is 100% accurate. I had the blood (RAST) test done to find my allergies but everything came back negative and I have a positive reaction to hazelnuts in which I was tested for. Working with an allergist can help you find your culprit. Peanut allergies are the #1 allergy in the world....and as far as I know, there is not much they can do for it. They might be able to try allergy shots (though I'm not sure if they have that for peanuts or nuts in general) to decrease your sensitivity. But once again, this is a question for your allergist.
Posted 1/4/2008 6:44 AM (GMT -8)
Not, all test are 100%. The two main ones are the skin and RAST (blood test). If it's been a while since your last allergy appointment, set up another one. Redue the skin test. Just like Red_34, I also had the RAST tests done and they have basically came back negative, however I have anaphylactic reaction just to inhalation of some of my food allergies. Also some skin tests can give a false reading. That is why a good history should be taken, and not just relied on tests.

As for the peanuts, if it's just nuts you react to, peanuts should be fine (because they are not a nut, they're legumes), however, crosscontamination is high. Best to avoid all nuts and peanuts. Also, it's probably best and not to mention the safest (especially if it scares you, which it would anyone) to just stop eating at chiness restraunts and buffets etc..

If this is an allergy, your immune system is not bad, it's not rundown.... it's the opposite, it's a hypersensitivity. Ex. this is just me, but before I had all these anaphylactic reactions I use to get colds and flu, just like everyone else. When my family had a cold, i'd catch it. But the last 4 years, I have not had a single cold, flu, or anything like that. But again,this is me. I know others who have allergies and still get colds etc.


The only thing you can do for a food allergy is strict avoidence, and be prepared for a reaction.
Posted 1/4/2008 3:11 PM (GMT -8)

Thanks for the suggestions---I try not to take any meds bacause I have had reactions to some of those too.  Actually, I can't remember if I took the RAST or not---it sounds familiar, but I think they just did something to my forearms.  I belong to Kaiser and they can sometimes give me grief about too many tests---but I will ask about just testing again for those specific things and make an appointment to see an allergist.  The real test tho' is that I get the weird feeling if I eat or even inhale nut/seed stuff.  I try to keep Benadryl around at all times and keep an Eppi pen around too.  It's really a pain in the neck----but the alternative is real worse. 

Posted 1/4/2008 3:26 PM (GMT -8)
Yes, the alternative is worst. I'm glad to hear you keep the benadryl close, but if you do carry an Epipen, Keep that closer. It will do more than the benadryl. I also carry both. And that epipen is a lifesaver. Make sure you know how to use it, as well everyone else who is around you alot. and MAKE SURE IT IS NOT EXPIRED!
Posted 1/4/2008 10:29 PM (GMT -8)
I do keep the epipen close and take out the directions periodically.  I've never had to use it---but I just feel better when I know it's around.  It makes me nervous though---I keep thinking that I should just do a "dry run" on something---not my leg, so that if I ever need to use it---I will have had some experience.  Hmmmm, I don't know.  I feel lucky so far as my reactions sem to be mild compared to others---I just hate to take any chances.  And yes I do keep a watch on the expiration date

Posted 1/4/2008 10:44 PM (GMT -8)
You can actually get free epipen trainers! I recommend you order one! Very helpful. I believe you can order one from their site. Since i'm canadian i got mine from the canadian one for free... not sure if you have to pay for one from the other site. But once you get it, you can reuse it, to train over and over again. It is exactly like using the real thing, (without the needle and medication). If you have an expired epipen, you can always practise in an orange, but cut the orange in half and place it on a table... don't want to inject epi into your hand!!!
Posted 1/4/2008 10:50 PM (GMT -8)
Hmmmm, no one ever told me about a trainer.  What a great idea.  I will ask the dr. next time I see her.  Or, I guess that I can look on the paperwork that comes with the pen itself. I will check it out.  thanks,L

Posted 1/14/2008 9:20 AM (GMT -8)
The same thing happens to me with nuts and fruits. What helps me is taking a quick sip of water and not eating anymore of that food. I also take Benadryl sometimes. Hope i helped ! get better soon honey!:)
Posted 1/14/2008 10:13 AM (GMT -8)

Pixie,

Thanks, it does help.  I've done both.  I'm pretty sensitive to meds so I can only take 12.5 mg. of the Benadryl or I fall asleep in my soup. I  carry it with me though.  And I do the same thing ---if I start to feel that strange fuzzy feeling and then my throat closing I drink as much water as I can.  Do you think it's a real allergy??  I worry sometimes that it's all in my head 'cause I get similar feelings from other foods or meds.  I just started taking a high powered liquid vitamin and high powered magnesium powder that was recommended at the health food store----and I think I'm getting the same reaction---WHY??????  I'm beginning to feel a little hopeless about being able to do anything to ever get or at least feel better! (sorry for the rant, I just get so frustrated) mad

Posted 1/14/2008 4:12 PM (GMT -8)
oh sorry enufworry.Its definitely not all in your head, sweetie!You can be allergic to a number of things.I'm allergic to fruit:plums, peaches, cherries, bananas, nuts: walnuts, all different kinds, cats, and pollen. Stay strong!smile
your friend,
Posted 1/14/2008 9:00 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks, Pixie, appreciate your kind words----have you had these allergies long?  Did they show up on any allergy test?  Mine didn't---it was a long time ago, but I think I only did the skin test---everything negative.  The RAST sounds familiar, but whatever I did, all negative (actually, not true---some pollens and cats were positive but no foods).  I have an HMO and I will try to get another appt with a Dr. to try to see if anything has changed---but my regular doc is not too into okaying tests---so I will have to see.  In the mean time, I work hard to stay away from the things I know and stay slightly fearful of trying anything new for fear that I will have that weird reaction.  I also just got a refill for my Epipen.  Haven't had to use it so far, yeah but I feel ever so much better when I have it around me. :-)   Life is good tonight!  Hope all is good with you.
Posted 1/15/2008 12:39 PM (GMT -8)
ummm....i think i've found out over time....mine aren't too severe so I don't have an epipen.But sometimes i sneeze a lot.I use opcon-a eyedrops.thanx.I hope your doing well to and your dr. can help you.:)
Posted 1/15/2008 1:36 PM (GMT -8)
I just read about your dilemma with nuts. My wife had the exact same problem for several years and wasn't able to eat nuts as her mouth got very raw. As it turns out she had a vitamin B-12 deficiency, and once a month gets a shot from the doctor since her body cannot absorb B-12. Now, just within the past year she's been taking a B-12 pill of some sort and she has been fine with it too. Since she's not here right now I won't be able to tell you exactly what it is, but have your B-12 checked out and it could be the cure for your problem with the nuts.
Posted 1/15/2008 9:51 PM (GMT -8)
I get systemic reactions to some rare stuff like fire ants and blackfly bites.
This is one of my most severe reactions to an allergen. It will go from just throbbing glands and sinus stuffiness to heart palpitations, edema (usually face if that's where the bite is), feeling flush, confused and then go to swollen tongue and throat and wheezing. So I always end up in the ER either on an IV or a shot of prednisone.

Now I'm having food allergies and sensitivities. The chemical sensitivities start with a burning tongue and swollen throat. My legs gets very weak. It will last at least 24 hours til the chemicals are excreted (sorry). Now I can actually smell the chemical before I even cook the food and just dump it. confused
Posted 1/15/2008 11:30 PM (GMT -8)

WOW---thanks all for sharing.  I didn't realize that there were so many folks sufering with such scary things.  I must admit I feel kind of lucky and whimpy at the same time----my reactions don't feel nearly as serious.  All I know is that when it happends---I get scared and worried.  I guess that's not tooooo unreasonable.  Hope you are all well. :-)

Posted Today 8:00 AM (GMT -8)
Here I go the prophet of gloom and doom again...but I heard a very long time ago about a situation. A woman very innocently went into a fast food type place and ordered a bowl of chilli. They are not required to tell you all the ingredients. Anyway she ate it all up and became very sick. Be aware of the problem which you have and be cautious when eating out. I had heard that they used peanut butter based stuff to thicken up the sauce. When you are out eating make sure you can see what you are eating, ok?  I only have respiratory problems and am very allergic to medicine..................that's enough for me.  I have eczema on my skin too.  Take CARE OF YOURSELF and I am trying to send good vibs and prayers your way.

Post Edited (Joan M) : 2/2/2008 9:06:36 AM (GMT-7)

Posted Today 5:41 PM (GMT -8)
Joan,

We do not consider your the prophet of gloom and doom. You are only trying to help save lives and we appreciate it. From what I hear, the peanut allergy is one of the very worst.

Believe me, I put servers through the drill when I am trying to order a meal because I am so allergic to soy and MSG. I have other food allergies, but these hit me harder than others. A lot of times the servers will call the managers over. Everyone is very nice about it; they don't want you to die in their restaurant.

Please keep sharing with us.

Take care!

Carla
Posted 2/4/2008 4:42 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks Carla...you make me feel human!!!
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