is it possible to develop nut allergy/intolerance as an adult

[Sassyfrassy]

Since Christmas I have found that if I eat hazelnuts or brazilnuts my mouth and throat becomes very sore and itchy for several hours. Yesterday I had a ceralbar which was hazelnut flavour, not much actual hazelnut in it, and as soon as I ate it my throat started hurting and itching and I felt clogged up. Is it possible that I could be developing an allergy or intolerance as an adult? I do already have exzema and allergies towards various pollen and dustmites. Should I contact my gp or just avoid the nuts? Any advice would be welcome.

It is possible, I know several people who have developed allergies as adults including my friends DH who had a full blown anaphalactic shock after eating prawns when he had no reaction at all on eating them previously. You should contact your GP and get tested properly and get an epipen.

Hi Sassy - this is a particular type of oral allergy which is becoming more and more common and is actaullly associated with the prevalance of birch trees (especially in London). Birch and hazelnut are the same family - and the pollen from the birch can trigger this reaction to the hazelnuts. My nanny developed this - and I was at an ellergy conference where they discussed this.
You should definately see your GP.

Thanks for the advice. I'll get myself a gp's appointment and try to avoid nuts in the meanwhile. I had food allergies as a child but grew out of them, so I suppose with all my other allergies and exzema that I'm prone to these things.

Thanks nottirednow. Is liquid piriton ok? We've got that at home already?

Well, I saw my gp yesterday and he was pretty unhelpful.

I described my symptoms and history of allergies, hayfever etc. He said that yes, that sounded just like an allergic reaction. He then went on to explain that the tests were pretty useless and I should just avoid brazil nuts and hazelnuts, although no need to read labels carefully, just avoid obvious nuts and take antihistamines if I have a reaction.