Tree Nut Allergies Trigger Anaphylaxis: Study Reveals Insights

Children and Adults React Differently, Requiring Prompt Treatment

A new study has found that tree nuts are a major cause of severe allergic reactions, particularly anaphylaxis. Researchers analyzed over a thousand cases, uncovering age-specific triggers and the critical need for immediate treatment to prevent life-threatening events.

Cashews vs. Hazelnuts: Age-Based Differences

Analysis of 1,083 confirmed cases of tree nut-induced anaphylaxis (TIA) revealed that tree nuts caused 23% of all food-related anaphylactic episodes. Within these episodes, cashews were the primary trigger for children, while hazelnuts predominated in adults. Researchers, collecting data from the European Anaphylaxis Registry, documented 1,389 TIA cases across 13 European countries and Brazil from 2007 to April 2024.

…original tweet embed code…

“Primary prevention to avoid tree nut allergy in general is necessary, followed by the education of patients about the potential role of cofactors, which were present in up to 50% of affected adults and which might have increased the reaction severity from otherwise mild to anaphylactic reactions,”

—Margitta Worm, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

In 2024, the CDC reported a 14% increase in food allergy diagnoses among children. (Source 2024) Prompt recognition of symptoms and treatment is crucial.

Key Findings and Reactions

Among children, 40% of TIA cases were triggered by cashews, 25% by hazelnuts, and 17% by walnuts. Hazelnut caused 44% of adult cases, with walnut and almond accounting for 20% and 15%, respectively. Moreover, 76% of children reacted to less than a tablespoon of cashew, compared to 20% of adults.

Despite prior reactions reported in a significant percentage of cases, a low percentage of patients were aware of their tree nut allergy beforehand, emphasizing the need for improved patient education and preparedness.