Can someone tell me about cross-reacting allergens please .....(hazelnut & birch)

[BettySpaghetti]

Whilst in the garden earlier we all ate some hazelnuts from our tree.

Shortly afterwards DP felt some swelling in his throat at the sides and also the dangly thing (the name of which escapes me but we refer to it as a clacker ) was visibly much bigger.

He didn't feel overly concerned as no problems with breathing but took some Piriton which we had leftover from when DS had chicken pox as he could feel the swelling. Both DD and DS were fine -no apparent reaction to the hazelnuts.

Anyway, I looked up food allergies on netdoctor and there was a bit about cross-reacting allergens which mentions birch pollen cross-reacting with hazelnuts. The hazel tree in our garden is next to a birch tree. There are also 2 apple trees and these are mentioned too as reacting with birch pollen.

Cross-reacting allergens are not something I've ever heard of before.

So what does this mean? Is it that DP could suffer another reaction if he eats hazelnuts (or other things like apples etc off the list)that have had contact with birch pollen but otherwise would be OK? Should he be approaching GP about tests?

The bit on Netdoctor is a bit vague and I'm not sure where else to look but I know there are lots of you on here that are experienced with allergies.

Thanks

bumping cos I havent got a clue, hopefully someone will come along with an answer

try the 'the complete guide to food allergy and intolerance.
this is published by Gamlin, writen by jonathan brostoff.

There is a section on cross reactive allergies,and table listings of food /plant/trees etc.

This is part of oral allergy syndrome, where for instance a person who has tree pollen allergy may react to raw fruit, during the allergy season. Some however have continual reactions out of season, but have mild to severe reactions.
Again the person may be able to eat cooked fruit, as in eg apple puree. So that the heat changes the cell structure of the fruit.
Cellulose /fruit sugar can cause some problems for some.

This is all I can think of at the mo, as late at night, but get this book its fab.

I don't know about the intricacies of cross-reacting allergens but if your DS has reacted once to nuts then he should avoid all contact with them and you should speak to your doctor asap as swelling of the throat was involved. Subsequent reactions can often be much worse then the initial reaction (it was with my son though his reaction was not to nuts). He may well be given an Epipen in case of future problems before he is tested.

Thanks for replies.

Williamsmummy -it sounds so complicated, might have a look for the book.

(PS -it was DP not DS -if it had been DS I would have straight to A&E but DP, being a typical bloke and all that , shrugged it off somewhat)

Sorry BettySpaghetti - it was late and by the time I'd read the link on cross-reacting allergens my brain had translated DP for DS. I understand completely about blokes shrugging things off!

anyone know anything? please......

Is he allergic to anything for certain BS?

Has he had problems with nuts before of any sort? Penicillin allergy? Eczema or asthma?

No allergies that we're aware of but has had asthma for the last 2 years (never had it as a child) -started after having a cold.

Very difficult situation as could be something or nothing. I think definitely worth a chat with the GP, who can investigate further-there will be an allergy service that can be consulted at the nearest hospital.Sorry I can't be more specific!

Asthma, eczema, allergies etc are all linked hence my question.

thanks Neverenoughhandbags -I'll persuade him to see GP I think .

BettySpaghetti - good idea, especially as Neverenoughhandbags says if he has had asthma, the allergy is probably linked. In the meantime I would make sure he always has an antihistamine with him as at this stage we're not sure exactly what he is allergic to.

Cross reacting means that the proteins in the two things are similar so if you react to one you are more likely to react to another than to some unrelated food. It doesn't mean they need to be physically near each other - just that if you react to hazelnut you may also react to birch pollen.

Unfortunately what this means is that if he eats hazelnut again he could have serious problems. He needs to get a referral and get some testing done. Asthmatics are more likely to have problems if they have an allergy and a good consultant would ask if he has asthma. Meanwhile he should carry piriton around with him. It may buy a little time but if his throat swells he should go to a&e. Any breathing problem call an ambulance.

He may also react to birch pollen but I'd be more concerned about other nuts.