“It’s not easy living with a severe allergy, but it’s taught me a lot.”
Having a severe tree nut allergy has shaped my life in ways most people wouldn’t expect. Since I was little, I’ve had to live with the constant awareness that something as small as a cashew or pistachio could send me into anaphylactic shock. While my parents and older brother love nuts and we’ve always had them at home, I’ve had to take a completely different approach—staying alert, asking questions, and always thinking a few steps ahead when it comes to food.
I’ll never forget the day I had my first serious reaction. I was ten years old, at Costco, and saw a free sample of mixed nuts. I was always a picky eater, and even though we had nuts around the house, I’d never tried them. That day, I wanted to be brave and try something new. At first, they just tasted salty and crunchy. But within seconds, my throat started to feel dry and tight. I couldn’t swallow, my lips and tongue were swelling, and hives were breaking out on my face. It felt like I was suffocating- really scary!
Luckily, my parents reacted quickly and drove me to an Urgent Care nearby in the same shopping center. By the time we got there, things had gotten worse. I couldn’t breathe, and they had to rush me into the ER. The first medicine didn’t work, and I threw up everything I had in me. Then came the epinephrine and other injections. I started shaking and convulsing, and for a while, it felt like I might not make it. Thankfully, the medicine kicked in, and I was able to breathe again.
Since that terrifying experience, I’ve had to completely rethink how I live. Every time I eat—whether it’s at a friend’s house, a school event, or even just grabbing a snack—I have to check and double-check that it’s safe. I always carry an EpiPen, and we keep extras at home and with my mom. My family even changed the way we cook. My mom doesn’t use nuts at all anymore, just to keep our kitchen safe for me.
It’s not easy living with a severe allergy, but it’s taught me a lot. I’ve learned how to speak up for myself, even when it feels awkward or uncomfortable. I explain to others around me about my allergy, so that they are also aware of it and help me stay vigilant. I’ve learned how to manage risk without letting fear control my life. I’ve had to grow up a little faster than some of my peers, but it’s made me more responsible and conscious about the world around me.
This allergy is a part of my life, but it doesn’t define me. Instead, it’s pushed me to be more cautious, more informed, and more resilient. It’s taught me that small choices—like reading a label or asking a question—can make a huge difference. And while I may always have to be careful, I’m not afraid of living a full, healthy, and safe life.
- Bryan