First, let’s learn the confusing meaning of nuts, seeds and legumes. This is especially confusing for allergic patients (and parents) who are trying to decide what foods to avoid. For example, “legume” is used to describe peanut as well as peas, chickpeas, and soy, yet also includes wattles and the black bean tree of Queensland. “Tree nut” has a limited meaning such as; almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts and brazil nuts. When we think of seeds, we think of small seeds like sesame, sunflower, poppy and pumpkin seeds, when coconut is actually also a seed. Even though there is little similarity between peanut allergies and tree nuts or seed allergies, there is an increased risk of other food allergies in people allergic to peanuts. Some doctors recommend that people allergic to peanuts avoid all nuts and seeds as a precaution. Unfortunately, it is not clear whether such advice prevents a new allergic reaction from occurring.
Does A Peanut Allergy mean an Allergy to Seeds also?
About the Author: Dr. Summit Shaw
Allergy doctor Summit Shah, MD specializes in allergy diagnosis and treatment that affect both adults and children, including drug allergies, hay fever, asthma, venom allergies, sinus disease, and more. Dr. Shah founded the Allergy Department at the Chalmers P. Wylie VA in Columbus, OH, where he is still an active member of the staff. Dr. Shah also actively practices at Dublin Methodist Hospital, Nationwide Children’s’ Hospital, Mt. Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital, and Riverside Hospital. His areas of interest are pediatric food allergies and eczema. Dr. Shah, a Columbus native, graduated as valedictorian from Bishop Watterson High School before attending Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s with Honors. A Buckeye through and through, he stayed at OSU for medical school. After earning his MD from the College of Medicine at Ohio State, Dr. Shah underwent a residency program in Boston as well as a fellowship training program at the renowned Scripps Clinic in San Diego, CA, where he trained under acclaimed experts in allergy and immunology. An allergy doctor by profession, Dr. Shah also enjoys cheering on the Buckeyes, golfing, and scuba diving. Dr Shah resides in Columbus with his wife, who is a graduate of Dublin Coffman high school and the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy. They have two daughters, Saanvi and Saaya.