
An allergic reaction to nuts can cause different symptoms, but cross-reactive nut allergies tend to be milder. Food allergy sufferers in particular should be very careful, as even traces of nuts can trigger severe symptoms. This type of allergy often affects hazelnuts. In pollen-associated nut allergy, the triggers are often early-flowering plants such as birch, hazel, or oak. Doctors speak of a cross-reaction when a person first reacts to a certain allergen and then to another allergen that is similar to the first. Secondary nut allergy: Doctors also call this form a cross allergy, it mostly occurs in adults.

In extreme cases, a nut allergy can lead to cardiovascular or respiratory arrest. Blood pressure drops and the heart beats irregularly. The bronchial tubes constrict and trigger symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. Peanuts and hazelnuts in particular increase the risk. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea but the likelihood of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock is greater with this type. This has an impact on quality of life, as even traces of nuts can cause severe reactions. Often these allergies develop during childhood and remain throughout life. These actually harmless proteins are called allergens. The cause: The body mistakenly perceives certain proteins of the nuts as the enemy and reacts with symptoms. Primary nut allergy: This form already occurs in childhood and is often triggered by peanuts. Doctors distinguish between two types of nut allergies:
