Walnut

Testing for walnut allergy should be considered if you experience allergic symptoms after consuming walnuts or products containing walnuts. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, digestive issues, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, consulting with an allergist for testing can confirm the allergy.

• Itching or tingling sensation in or around the mouth and throat
• Hives or rash
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or other parts of the body
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or nasal congestion

A walnut allergy reaction is caused by the body’s immune response to specific proteins found in walnuts. The immune system mistakenly identifies these proteins as harmful, triggering an allergic reaction that can range from mild symptoms to severe anaphylaxis.

Individuals with walnut allergy may experience cross-reactions with other tree nuts like pecans, almonds, and hazelnuts. Additionally, some may react to foods outside the nut family, such as fruits or seeds, due to similar protein structures. This phenomenon is known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS).