Tree Nut Allergy in Children-What Do We Know? -A Review

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Public Health
• Allergology

Background:

• Food allergy prevalence is rising, with tree nut allergy posing significant health risks.
• Severe, life-threatening reactions are common in tree nut allergies.
• Limited data exist on tree nut allergy prevalence and natural history.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current data on tree nut allergy prevalence.
• To outline diagnostic methods for tree nut allergy.
• To discuss management strategies and emerging therapies for tree nut allergy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of prevalence, diagnosis, and management.
• Inclusion of data on IgE-mediated symptoms.
• Discussion of diagnostic tools like skin prick tests (SPT), specific IgE (sIgE), and component-resolved diagnostics (CRD).

Main Results:

• Tree nut allergy often presents with rapid-onset IgE-mediated symptoms.
• Diagnosis confirmed via SPT, sIgE, or oral food challenge.
• CRD aids in identifying high-risk anaphylaxis patients.

Conclusions:

• Tree nut allergy management primarily involves allergen avoidance and symptom treatment.
• Investigational therapies include sublingual and oral immunotherapy, with or without omalizumab.
• Tree nut allergy is typically lifelong with low resolution rates.