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Review
. 2018 Mar 26:11:41-51.
doi: 10.2147/JAA.S141636. eCollection 2018.

Current perspectives on tree nut allergy: a review

Tamar Weinberger  1 , Scott Sicherer  1
Affiliations
Review

Current perspectives on tree nut allergy: a review

Tamar Weinberger et al. J Asthma Allergy. .

Abstract

Tree nut (TN) allergy is common and often severe. It has become an important health concern as availability and consumption have increased. Prevalence varies by age and geographic region and appears to have increased in children. Accidental ingestion of TNs is common. Unfortunately, there is a lower likelihood of resolution of TN allergy, roughly 10%. TN-specific skin tests and serum immunoglobulin E levels can help aid in the diagnosis of TN allergy, but a careful medical history is important because a positive test in isolation is not typically diagnostic. Component-resolved diagnostic tests are being increasingly utilized and may improve accuracy. Management consists of strict avoidance of the causal nut(s) and prompt treatment of symptoms upon accidental exposure. A specific consideration with regard to the management of TN allergy is the decision to avoid all TNs or only the TNs to which a patient is clinically allergic. There are currently no data on the primary or secondary prevention of TN allergy. Treatment strategies are being evaluated.

Keywords: anaphylaxis; component resolved diagnostics; cross reactivity; food allergens; food allergy; food hypersensitivity.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure Tamar Weinberger reports no conflicts of interest in this work. Scott Sicherer receives royalties from UpToDate, a stipend from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology as Associate Editor of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in Practice, and his institution receives grants from HAL Allergy Group and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for his research.

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