Living with a nut allergy

Allergic reaction to nuts can progress rapidly to anaphylaxis. Peanut allergy is responsible for more fatalities than any other type of allergy.

If you have a nut allergy, strictly avoiding nuts, including peanuts and tree nuts such as cashews and walnuts, and food containing nuts is the only way to prevent a reaction. However it is not always easy to avoid these foods since many unsuspecting products contain nuts.

Always check the ingredients on the label before you use a product, even if you have previously used a product. Manufacturers occasionally change recipes, and a trigger food may be added to the new recipe. Also, keep in mind that many ready-prepared foods, including baked goods, sweets, chocolate and ethnic foods, can be contaminated with peanuts if products containing peanuts are prepared in the same place or by the same manufacturer. Always be prepared for this possibility and the risk of a reaction.

Examples of peanut and tree nut products, and foods that may contain them, include:

Tree nuts are sometimes used in lotions and shampoos. Be sure to check the labels of these products as well as food labels.