Tree nut allergies are the most common food allergies. One misconception is that having an allergy to one type of nut means that you should avoid all nuts. However, after much research, we know that this is not entirely true. Some tree nuts are more closely related in species than others, so it is important to discuss your allergies with an allergist to find out which tree nuts to avoid.
But there is more to be cautious of than just ingesting the nut itself. Believe it or not, some trees, such as pecan trees, also produce pollen that can be very hazardous for those sensitive to these grains. Pecan tree pollen is highly allergenic and can cause an individual to develop severe symptoms depending on their level of exposure. So make sure that you know all about these particles in order to best avoid pecan pollen allergies.
When a person experiences a pecan tree allergy, it is common for them to develop symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, watery eyes, itchy throat, and wheezing. In more severe cases, they may even experience hospitalization and more intensive treatment. For these reasons, reducing your exposure is vital to ensuring you maintain your health, and we can provide you with a few helpful tips to do just that.
One of the first ways to protect yourself from pecan pollen is to identify your personal sensitivity to it. At Allergy & ENT Associates, we have a variety of tests available that can pinpoint your exact tree nut allergy to help you adjust your food and lifestyle choices, if necessary. Tree nut allergies are different from environmental allergies in how your body responds. They can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, trouble swallowing, mouth irritation, itchy eyes and throat, hives, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and even anaphylaxis. As such, it is important that you find ways to avoid unintentionally digesting pecan tree pollen as well as keep it away from you.
Once you are aware of how severe your pecan pollen allergies are, take steps to reduce your contact with it. This means monitoring pollen levels outdoors, staying away from areas that are known to have pecan trees, and tracking the air quality of your home. Should you visit a place with pecan tree pollen, remove and wash your clothing immediately. These techniques can help prevent pollen from making its way into your home and give you a safe place to retreat to when local levels are particularly high.
Contact Us For an Appointment
Allergy & ENT Associates has years of experience helping individuals just like you manage their sensitivity to tree nuts and pecan pollen. As such, we are confident that we can help you find relief as well. If you would like more information about our pecan pollen allergy treatments in Houston, Texas, or to schedule an appointment, please call our central appointment desk at (713) 697-4687.
