Allergen,Individual-FoodAlmondBadam (Amygdalus Communis)

• Establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to almonds
• Identifying allergens responsible for allergic disease and/or anaphylactic episode
• To confirm sensitization prior to beginning immunotherapy

Common signs or symptoms of almond allergy may include the following:

• Hives or skin rashes
• Itching/swelling (especially of the lips/face/tongue/throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing
• Fast heartbeat
• Digestive symptoms – cramps, stomach pain, bloating, nausea or vomiting

A severe, possibly life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis may occur in some cases. An anaphylactic response requires immediate medical attention. Signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

• Rapid or increased pulse
• Swollen throat or lump, making it difficult to breathe
• Low blood pressure

Extreme dizziness or loss of consciousness

Specific IgE measures the concentration of circulating allergen specific IgE for food allergen almonds.

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

Both: Negative: < 0.1 KAU/L
Both: Positive: => 0.1 KAU/L

Detection of IgE antibodies indicates an increased likelihood of allergy to almonds that may be responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. A negative result indicates that the symptoms are not due to almond allergies and other differential diagnoses must be considered.

Allergy to almonds can be of two types:

Primary food allergy: Individual feeling this type of allergy will have already had a previous contact with almonds, because of which their immune system is producing antibodies to almond and is known as sensitization. Any further exposure to almonds in some of these people results in an allergic reaction which has the potential to cause severe and life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Secondary food allergy: An individual with this type of allergy initially is allergic to birch pollen, a significant cause of spring hay fever, followed by reaction to almond. The symptoms of this type include itching or swelling of the mouth, known as pollen-food. Individuals with this type of allergy are prone to have mild reactions to hazelnuts, walnuts, certain kinds of fruits and raw vegetables. It’s important to know the type of allergy you’re suffering with, and it’s observed that majority suffers from primary almond allergy.

Associated Tests:

Allergy - Adult (Comprehensive) Panel 

Allergy Screening