A review of nut allergies in the UK has indicated that allergy to cashew nut is becoming more common than previously reported, and the severity of the reaction to cashew nut is greater than peanut allergy.

The review looked at the medical history of nearly 150 children with cashew nut or peanut allergy, and assessed the severity and type of allergic reactions previously suffered. The authors concluded that severe clinical reactions occur more frequently in children allergic to cashew nuts than in children allergic to peanuts. They say that the management of nut allergies should include a risk assessment of the type of nut which caused the worst reaction to date, as well as avoidance advice.

Diagnosis of a cashew nut allergy increases the likelihood of a severe reaction requiring intramuscular adrenaline and this should therefore be considered in the individual’s allergen management plan. Source: Allergy, (2007) Vol 62 (8), pages 913-916.