Tree Nut Allergy Over-Diagnosed? Avoiding Walnuts Or Almonds Not Necessary, Study Says

People with one type of nut allergy tend to avoid eating all types of nuts altogether. A new study, however, cited avoidance of tree nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, might not be necessary. The experts said some allergies were likely over-diagnosed.

Researchers of the study found out half of those diagnosed with one specific nut allergy do not develop allergic reactions from tree nuts. Those with strong reactions to peanuts did not have allergic triggers when eating almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts or Brazil nuts. The findings were published in the Annals of Allergy Asthma, and Immunology.

Researchers conducted a blood and skin test for a period of eight years among 109 people who were positive for different tree nut allergies. Doctors also conducted a supervised oral food test, where they fed participants small amounts of nuts to trace the allergic reactions. Most participants' blood and skin tests showed they were allergic to specific nuts and yet 50 percent of the participants showed no actual reactions in the oral food test.

"Too often, people are told they're allergic to tree nuts based on a blood or skin prick test," allergist and study lead author Christopher Couch said, as per EurekAlert. He implied most allergic patients take these test results at face value when actual ingestion show otherwise. He acknowledged, however, some patients with confirmed peanut allergies who have never eaten tree nuts before also develop strong allergic reactions to those tree nuts.

Researchers pointed out an oral food test would be a more accurate method of diagnosing allergies but conducting this require strict and careful expert supervision. "Tree nut allergy should only be diagnosed if there is both a positive test and a history of developing symptoms after eating that tree nut," allergist co-author Dr. Matthew Greenhawt said, as per Patch.

People who suspect they have nut allergies must not hesitate to discuss this with their doctors for a proper diagnosis. Learn more about tree nut allergy over-diagnosis in the video below.