Some Children May Outgrow Their Nut Allergy

Approximately 9% of children who have tree nut allergies will outgrow them, a new study suggests. Children who are allergic to peanuts (a ground nut) have a 20% chance of outgrowing their allergy.

Previously, it was believed that allergies to tree nuts which include cashews, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios and pine nuts-lasted a lifetime. In their study of 278 people ranging from three to 21 years of age, researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore also found that even some children who have had a previous, especially severe allergic reaction to tree nuts can outgrow their allergy. However children who are allergic to multiple types of tree nuts are unlikely to outgrow their allergy, the research team says.

Based on their results, the study authors recommend that children who have tree nut allergies be reevaluated periodically by an allergist/immunologist.