Hives after eating pesto? Pine nut allergy? Please help!

[Coconuttt]

DD has come out in hives on 3 occasions now. I initially thought the culprit was grapes but I now think it was actually pesto as she’s not had grapes today so it can’t be that.

I’ve googled and it looks like it could possibly be a pine nut allergy. I know nut allergies can be the most serious. We are off on holiday this weekend so I can’t take DD to the GP until we are home. I’m thinking the GP might want to have some tests done possibly?

I will try to avoid pine nuts but I’m wondering if she can continue to eat other nuts between now and us visiting the GP? Anyone with any experience on this? Thanks so much.

Anyone?

I have a pine nut allergy, and it's the only nut I'm allergic to (although it might actually be a seed 🤔) - so you might be lucky that this is her only one!

Allergic responses can get more severe over time, so until you see the GP after your holiday, probably best to avoid nuts in general, and especially pine nuts. Carry some antihistamines with you in case.

My little boy is allergic to egg and saw the GP after a particularly spectacular allergic reaction landed us in A&E at 6 months old. GP referred to the allergy team and they are continuing to run tests done by simple pin prick blood tests, checking for different allergies, and seeing if he is growing out of the egg one.

I should add, she also complained of a sore tummy and feeling sick after eating it.

I have a severe nut allergy and I would say 100% avoid all nuts, especially if you're going to be away from home, until you can get a skin prick test done.

More likely to be cashews than pine nuts - if it's a supermarket pesto the ingredients will be mostly cashew with a tiny bit of pine nuts.

Was this homemade or bought pesto? Many of those have other nuts in them or a mix.

It was Tesco finest pesto I think.

I found the health visitor much more helpful than the GP - she immediately referred us to a dietician who referred to allergy clinic for testing.

I'd get some piriton and carry it with you at all times. Avoid all nuts for now.

I don’t think pine nuts are a nut. I think they re just called nutsnas they have a nutty taste, like peanuts aren’t a nut, but I’m not completely sure.

I would definitely avoid pine nuts rather than try to avoid them! And take note of what else is in the pesto. Take liquid antihistamine every where you go as a precaution.

DS has a pine nut allergy, he had hives and sickness the first time. His nut allergies have tailed off over the years but pine nuts aren't budging.

You need to check the ingredients in the jar, vey likely to be cashew nuts in it.

Can you list the ingredients for us?

Nausea, vomiting and diahorrea are all symptoms of allergy. As are hives. I'd consider avoiding tree nuts and peanuts until you can see an allergist, as allergies can get more severe the more you are exposed. If your DD has any facial swelling or struggles to breathe, call an ambulance asap stating your child is experiencing anaphylaxis and you do not have an epi pen.

Commercial pesto often uses cashews in place of pine nuts. And in Australia (where I'm from, not sure if this is a global issue), there's been an alert put out for pesto. The cashew supply has been contaminated with peanuts.

Just something to be aware of until you can see a specialist for testing and advice.

Here’s the label.

Most likely pine nuts BUT you need to get her referred for testing and you need to get piriton and keep it on you.

I had to really look for that, I wonder why the pine nuts aren't in bold. When she had the reactions before, had she had anything with nuts then?

She has had pesto definitely on the last 2 occasions and I think she had it on the 1st occasion but I can’t say that with 100% certainty. I’m about 80% sure. I have the worst memory.

Just wanted to add that there had recently been a big recall of Sacla-made pesto - which includes many supermarket brand pestos - due to peanut contamination as pp says. I've had a letter from Costco asking me to return the jars I bought to store.

DS is allergic to peanuts and pine nuts. Only mild reactions to both (hives) but I would say for now, until she's tested, avoid all nuts just to be safe. Piriton should work quickly if needed.

Avoid all nuts until you know for sure which she is reacting to.
I agree it could be cashews which are in a lot of pestos
Piriton as pp suggested
My ds has a specific nut allergy and we were told to avoid all nuts.

Thanks for the info re the recalls. DD had peanut butter this morning and didn’t react to that in any way so I’m guessing it must just be the pine nuts at the moment. She definitely used to be fine with pesto though so I’ll definitely avoid all nuts incase she starts reacting to any others.

My DS is allergic to hazelnuts and cashew nuts. He accidentally had a tiny bit of pesto and came out covered in hives and swelling. I would avoid all nuts to be honest, until you've had specific tests done. Even now, knowing which nuts he is allergic to, we avoid anything with nuts in.

@Coconuttt peanuts aren't actually classified as a nut though, they are technically a legume. She wouldn't be allergic to pine nuts the first time she had it, it's when she has it subsequently the the problems occur. Nut allergy is a mine field, I wish you luck!

Pine nuts aren't nuts.

Can I have some advice for avoiding nuts? I know loads of things say “may contain traces of nuts”. So can she eat chocolate etc? Sorry if that’s a silly question.