Almond Allergy
Testing & Treatment
in DFW and North Texas

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Testing and treatment of almond allergy in North Texas.
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Where treatment leads 2 Freedom

Transforming food allergy care, one bite at a time

Almonds are found in more everyday foods than most people expect, and can also trigger mild, moderate and severe reactions in adults and children. At Safe2Bite | Texas Food Allergy Center, we provide expert testing and tree nut allergy treatment for families across North Texas. With more than 15 years of experience, food allergy specialist Dr. Nana Mireku has helped patients across DFW live without fear of severe allergic reactions. Since almond allergies fall in the category of tree nut allergies, understanding whether your child reacts only to almonds or to multiple nuts is key to an accurate diagnosis.

Dr. Mireku understands the concerns and challenges that families dealing with almond allergies experience. As the mother of children with severe food allergies, Dr. Mireku and the Safe2Bite team welcomes families to visit our offices in McKinney, Prosper, Southlake and Frisco.

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What Causes an Almond Allergy in Children and Adults?

Almonds are a healthy snack enjoyed by people of all ages, but for someone with an almond allergy they can present a real health risk. An almond allergy starts when the immune system mistakes a harmless almond protein for a threat. For a person with this sensitivity, exposure to almonds causes the body to release chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms.

An almond allergy differs from an almond intolerance in that the allergy involves the immune system. And unfortunately the allergy carries greater risk of a severe reaction, including anaphylaxis. While almond allergies are more common in children, they are often carried into adulthood and can even start later in life.

Individuals and families who suspect an allergy can visit us for evidence-based food allergy treatment. As a recognized food allergy specialist in Texas, Dr. Mireku provides compassionate care to parents and children. She is board-certified through the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.

Causes of an almond allergy in children and adults.
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How to Recognize Almond Allergy Symptoms

Almond allergy symptoms usually begin within minutes to a few hours after eating almonds. These symptoms are often mild or moderate in severity, yet can potentially cause anaphylaxis. Anyone experiencing anaphylaxis will need to be treated immediately with epinephrine. At Safe2Bite, we help families understand the dangers and create an emergency treatment protocol.

Raised hives, itching or flushed skin.

Tingling or itching in the mouth.

Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat.

Sneezing, nasal congestion or a runny nose.

Coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing.

Dizziness, weakness or fainting.

More About Tree Nut Allergies

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Common and Unexpected Sources of Almonds

Managing an almond allergy starts with understanding where almonds may appear in everyday foods, drinks and recipes. Some of the most obvious sources are almond butter, almond milk, almond flour, marzipan and mixed nuts. Almonds also appear in many desserts and baked goods – cookies, macaroons (almond flour & almond paste), pastries, cakes, candy, ice cream and so on. Because the ingredient that triggers a reaction won’t always be obvious, in response Safe2Bite uses food allergy testing to evaluate various possible allergic foods during a single visit.

Almonds also feature in some less expected sources such as cereals, granola, protein bars, flavored coffee drinks and sauces. Checking food labels is an important part of staying safe, as is checking with servers at restaurants. In the U.S., packaged foods containing almonds (or potential traces of almond) must disclose this on the label.

How We Test for Almond Allergies

At Safe2Bite, we use several almond allergy testing options to diagnose an allergy. Before testing we discuss a patient’s symptoms, including what they ate and how much they consumed. We also review any history of reactions to almonds, other tree nuts and other substances.

Depending on a patient’s history, we may recommend skin prick testing, blood testing or an oral food challenge. Each method gives different insight into how the body responds to almond proteins. Our food allergy tests deliver the information needed to diagnose an almond allergy and develop a treatment plan.

Skin Prick Testing

We place a small amount of almond allergen on the forearm or back, then lightly prick the skin. The appearance of a raised bump shortly afterwards usually indicates a sensitivity to almonds.

Blood Testing

A blood sample is taken and then analyzed at a laboratory for the presence of almond-specific IgE antibodies. Blood testing is often used when skin testing is not possible due to a skin condition or certain medications.

Oral Food Challenge

A patient eats gradually increasing amounts of almonds to see how their immune system reacts. An oral food challenge may be used when other test results are unclear.

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Almond Allergy Treatment and Management

Our almond allergy treatments cover the fundamentals of managing a food allergy, including preventing accidental exposure and knowing what to do if symptoms develop. However, we go much further, supported by innovative immunotherapy treatments that can reduce sensitivity to almonds and lower the risk of a severe reaction.

Oral Immunotherapy

Oral immunotherapy works by building up the body’s tolerance to almonds. During the buildup phase, measured amounts of almond protein are consumed according to the allergist’s instructions. Patients then continue with a maintenance dose to provide long-term desensitization.

Food Allergy Drops

Food allergy drops, also called sublingual immunotherapy, use allergen extract placed under the tongue to build immune system tolerance. This approach can be a good option for families who want a lower-dose immunotherapy treatment they can follow easily at home. SLIT may be a very good treatment choice for young children, busy teenagers and even adults.

Can Almonds Cross-React With Other Allergens?

Many people who react to almonds will also react to related proteins in certain pollens, fruits or other nuts. Known as cross-reactivity, it occurs when the immune system identifies proteins that are similar to those of the problem allergen. Cross-reactivity will not affect everyone with an almond allergy, however, and it does not indicate that a patient has an additional allergy.

In the case of almonds, some of the most cross-reactive foods include peaches, apricots, cherries and plums. For example, because almonds and peaches share some similar proteins, eating peaches could trigger similar symptoms for a person with an almond allergy. This phenomenon is also known as "pollen-food allergy syndrome."

At Safe2Bite, we also consider how patients may react to other tree nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts and pecans. Some people do experience symptoms after eating tree nuts of various kinds, while others may react only to almonds. After an assessment, we may recommend testing for multiple allergens to identify the appropriate food allergy treatment.

Almonds can cross-react with other allergens.
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Choose a North Texas Almond Allergy Specialist

Safe2Bite specializes in food allergy care for families in the DFW area. We support patients of all ages, diagnosing new allergies and treating allergies that haven’t improved with past care. Our care model helps families stay safe and healthy.

Family-Centered Care

North Texas parents and families receive treatment plans for managing almond allergies at home and at school during meals away from home.

Convenient North Texas Locations

Our McKinney, Prosper, Frisco and Southlake locations make innovative almond allergy care accessible to children, adults and families throughout the DFW area.

Advanced Treatment Options

Our board-certified food allergy specialist provides immunotherapy treatments to reduce the impact of an almond allergy and manage food anxiety.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Almond Allergies

Visit Us in DFW for Expert Almond
Allergy Management

Safe2Bite brings patient-centered almond allergy care to families across North Texas. We provide food allergy testing and treatment to adults and children experiencing symptoms for the first time, and for those who need ongoing allergy management. Our food allergy treatment centers are located in McKinney, Prosper, Frisco and Southlake. Call (469) 916-5504 or request an appointment.

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