| Popis: |
Publisher Summary An allergy is an abnormal, inappropriate, exaggerated reaction of the immune system to contact with a foreign protein. These foreign proteins, usually well tolerated by the healthy population, are known as allergens. The term “hypersensitivity” is often used as a synonym for allergy. This chapter explores the various nuts and seeds that have induced allergies in people. Food-induced allergy may present with various symptoms. In 90% of reactions the skin is involved, with either acute urticaria or angioedema. These symptoms usually appear within minutes of ingesting the triggering food. Conjunctival and nasal symptoms are also common in acute systemic food reactions. Allergic reactions needs rapid and efficient management to avoid a potential fatality. Peanuts and tree nuts are responsible for severe food-induced reactions. Peanut allergy has an impact on socialization and affects the quality of life not only of allergic patients but also of their families, who live in constant fear of a reaction. Hazelnuts can elicit more severe symptoms and a full-blown anaphylactic reaction. Together with peanuts, hazelnuts account for 90% of fatalities due to food allergy. Sesame allergy occurs in individuals of all ages, from infancy to adulthood. Symptoms vary from subject to subject and include all allergic patterns, although there is a predominance of IgE-mediated symptoms. No definite treatment is yet available for nut and seed allergies. |
