Pine Nut Allergy IgE Blood Test

Order a pine nut allergy IgE blood test to detect an allergy to pine nuts. This test measures the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in a blood sample. Pine nuts are teardrop-shaped, tasty little nuts that are often used in various foods such as pesto and in cooking other dishes. The nuts are the edible seeds (pignoli) of certain species of pine trees. 

For certain individuals, pine nuts (or pine kernels) are allergens, but allergies are not as common as allergies to peanuts. Some research shows that the allergens in peanuts and almonds and those in pine nuts have similarities, but this is not thought to be significant. This similarity is otherwise defined as cross-reactivity.

Individuals with pine nut allergies should be careful to verify food ingredients. Pine nuts may be found in foods such as:

• cookies
• breads
• cakes
• sauces
• puddings
• candies
• nut mixes
• vegetable dishes
• meat dishes
• stuffings
• sandwich fillings

An allergy to the pine nut triggers a reaction in an individual's immune system. The body views certain substances as toxic and produces IgE antibodies to these contaminants. These antibodies cause histamine to be released, which will cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Allergy symptoms vary from one individual to the next ranging from mild to severe reactions, which can be experienced within minutes to hours after consumption. Common symptoms of a pine nut allergy may include one or more of the following symptoms:

• Coughing
• Itching around the face or mouth
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Sneezing
• Swelling lips
• Puffy or runny eyes
• Vomiting
• Gravelly throat
• Hives
• Trouble breathing
• Feeling faint
• Difficulty swallowing