HealthcareCan Allergy Immunotherapy Safely Eliminate Tree Nut Allergies?

Tree nut allergies rank among the eight most common food allergies. Ninety-percent of those with tree nut allergies will remain allergic for the rest of their lives. We are going to explore whether or not immunotherapy is effective in treating tree nut sensitivity.

What are Tree Nuts

As the name implies tree nuts grow on trees or shrubs. One source lists 14 different types of tree nuts. Better known tree nuts include almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews.

• Chestnuts
• Hazelnuts aka filberts
• Macadamias
• Pecans
• Pine nuts aka pignoli or pinion
• Pistachios

For a more complete list of tree nuts visit this link. It is vitally important that those with tree nut allergies and parents whose child has tree nut allergies read product labels. An incomplete list of food products that may contain tree nuts or ingredients derived from tree nuts includes baked goods, frozen treats, and soups.

Tree Nut Sensitivity Symptoms

Abdominal discomfort with or without becoming nauseated, vomiting, or diarrhea can be indicative of a tree nut sensitivity. The nose may become clogged or start running. A tree nut reaction may cause difficulty swallowing or itching anywhere on the body including the mouth and throat. Be especially mindful of difficulty breathing as this indicates a danger of anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis Definition & Symptoms

Tree nut allergies lead to anaphylaxis more than any other type of food sensitivity.

The Mayo Clinic defines anaphylaxis as a potentially fatal release of bodily chemicals that can lead to shock.

A person can go into anaphylactic shock within in seconds. Sometimes it takes minutes. Anaphylaxis leads to decreased BP and a narrowing of the airway resulting in restricted breathing. A weak rapid pulse, nausea, a rash, and vomiting are all indicators of anaphylactic shock. An immediate injection of epinephrine is needed. If epinephrine is not available call 911. Either way, a visit to the ER is necessary.

Nuts vs Legumes

Strictly speaking legumes like peanuts are not actually nuts. The difference between a legume and a nut is that an actual nut has a single seed inside and that seed is what is known as the nut. It is possible to be allergic to tree nuts and not legumes or be allergic to legumes and not tree nuts. It is also possible to be allergic to both.

Immunotherapy Defined

Immunotherapy is exposure to an allergen in increasingly high doses. Increasing the exposure to the allergen decreases the immune’s systems sensitivity to the allergen per the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

The University of Arkansas Study

The results of a study conducted at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Little Rock campus indicates that oral immunotherapy may be effective in combating tree nut allergies. The groundbreaking study was overseen by Dr. Amy Scurlock of the school’s Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology.

Preliminary results showed that doses of walnut oil delivered orally lessened sensitivity to walnuts and other types of tree nuts. The study was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

The Test Subjects

Conducted over the course of nearly three years the original group of test subjects consisted of 14 children with sensitivity to multiple types of tree nuts. The group’s average age was nine. Three-quarters of the participants were boys. According to a report by the BBC, boys are more likely than girls to have food allergies.

The Methodology

For the first 9.5 months of the study, subjects were given a placebo. To guard against a potential placebo effect this was a blinded study. A blinded study means that the test subjects do not know what they are being given. Two of the children dropped out before the study was concluded.

After administration of the actual walnut oil began children who showed decreased sensitivity to walnut oil were placed on a four-week hiatus. The treatment was suspended to determine if they would remain desensitized. Fifty-seven percent of the children not only remained desensitized to walnuts but were found to be desensitized to other tree nuts as well. Eighty-six percent remained unaffected solely by walnuts.

For the remainder of the study, the children alternated between orally receiving doses of walnuts other tree nuts and a placebo.

Conclusions

By the end of the study, seven of the nine remaining participants had become desensitized to walnuts and other tree nuts. While the results were promising Dr. Scurlock concedes the study is by no means conclusive. Dr. Scurlock pointed out that for the results to be truly conclusive more subjects will have to be tested at multiple facilities.

About Dr. Daniel G. Becker

Otolaryngologists Dr. Daniel G. Becker attended the University of Virginia Medical School on a full scholarship after graduating magna cum laude (with high honors) from Harvard. His residency was completed at the University of Virginia. Under the tutelage of two internationally recognized experts in the field, Dr. Becker studied Nasal and Facial Plastic Surgery on a fellowship.

A professor in the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology Board Certified Dr. Becker is also the founder and Medical Director of The Becker ENT (Ears nose and throat) Center. Dr. Daniel Becker and his team treat hearing loss and tinnitus a perception of sound or ringing in the ears. The Becker ENT Center also treats allergies and ear nose and throat issues in children. For a complete list of their services, to learn more about Dr. Becker and his practice, or to make an appointment visit his site.

This article was sponsored by Surgeon’s Advisor