Findings of a new study into severe allergic reactions offer a sobering warning to people allergic to tree nuts and, more broadly, could lead to quicker diagnoses in emergency care for people with all anaphylactic allergies.
The McGill University-led study by Dr. Moshe Ben-Shoshan’s team found that drinking alcohol was linked to more severe reactions in nut allergies. They also raise the possibility that nut-flavoured alcoholic drinks, even those made with artificial flavouring, could still expose people to trace allergens and increase the risk of severe reaction.
More broadly, the study found patterns between the triggers and symptoms of anaphylaxis, an allergic reaction that can be fatal within minutes if untreated.