Nut allergies: When can a mild cough send you to hospital? UAE doctors explain how to spot danger

A single bite of nuts can trigger a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which can develop rapidly within minutes. For example, a child playing with friends after eating nuts might initially appear fine, but could start coughing and experiencing difficulty breathing within a short time. Nut allergies can cause a range of symptoms, from skin reactions like hives and itching, to respiratory issues such as wheezing and throat tightness, and even life-threatening situations like anaphylaxis.

Early signs can be subtle, particularly in young children, and may include irritability, difficulty feeding, or changes in behavior. Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction that affects the respiratory or cardiovascular system. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the tongue or throat, dizziness, fainting, or a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Immediate treatment with adrenaline, carried out through an auto-injector, is essential to reverse the symptoms and prevent further deterioration. If anaphylaxis is suspected, it should be treated as a medical emergency - epinephrine should be administered without delay, followed by seeking emergency medical help. Those with severe allergies should always have their adrenaline auto-injector on hand and ensure they have a personalized emergency action plan in place.