Cashew Medical and Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide

Cashews are a delicious and nutritious nut that has been enjoyed for centuries. However, they can also be a source of medical problems, including allergies, skin irritation, and kidney stones. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a cashew from the body.

Cashew Allergies

Cashew allergies are a type of food allergy that can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Skin irritation (hives, rash, itching)
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction)

Cashew allergies are relatively common, affecting about 1% of the population. They are more common in children than in adults.

Skin Irritation from Cashews

Cashews can also cause skin irritation in some people. This is usually due to a reaction to the urushiol oil that is found in the cashew shell. Symptoms of skin irritation from cashews can include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Itching
• Blisters
• Burning

Kidney Stones from Cashews

Cashews are a high-oxalate food. Oxalates are a type of mineral that can bind to calcium in the urine and form kidney stones. Kidney stones can be painful and can lead to serious health problems if they block the flow of urine.

Surgery to Remove a Cashew

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a cashew from the body. This is usually done when a cashew has become lodged in the throat or esophagus and cannot be removed with other methods.

The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. A small incision is made in the neck or chest and the cashew is removed. The incision is then closed with stitches or staples.

Recovery from Surgery

After surgery to remove a cashew, you will likely be able to go home the same day. You may have some pain and swelling for a few days, but this should gradually improve.

You should follow your doctor's instructions for care after surgery. This may include:

• Taking pain medication
• Applying ice to the incision
• Eating a soft diet
• Avoiding strenuous activity

Conclusion

Cashews are a healthy and nutritious food, but they can also be a source of medical problems. If you have a cashew allergy, you should avoid eating cashews and other foods that contain cashews. If you experience skin irritation from cashews, you should wash your skin with soap and water and apply a cool compress. If you have kidney stones, you should talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of developing more stones.

Stories

Story 1

A 5-year-old boy was eating a handful of cashews when he suddenly started choking. His parents called 911 and the boy was rushed to the hospital. The doctors were able to remove the cashew from the boy's throat, but he had to stay in the hospital for a few days to recover.

What we learn: Cashews can be a choking hazard for children. Parents should supervise children when they are eating cashews and should make sure that the cashews are cut into small pieces.

Story 2

A 25-year-old woman had been experiencing skin irritation for several months. She had seen a dermatologist and tried several different treatments, but nothing seemed to help. Finally, she realized that her skin irritation was caused by the cashews she was eating. She stopped eating cashews and her skin irritation cleared up within a few weeks.

What we learn: Cashews can cause skin irritation in some people. If you experience skin irritation after eating cashews, you should stop eating cashews and see a doctor.

Story 3

A 60-year-old man had been experiencing pain in his side for several months. He went to the doctor and was diagnosed with kidney stones. The doctor told him that his kidney stones were caused by the high-oxalate content of the cashews he was eating. The man stopped eating cashews and his kidney stones dissolved within a few months.

What we learn: Cashews can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. If you have a history of kidney stones, you should talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of developing more stones.

Tips and Tricks

• If you have a cashew allergy, you should carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) with you at all times.
• If you experience skin irritation from cashews, you should wash your skin with soap and water and apply a cool compress.
• If you have kidney stones, you should talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of developing more stones.
• You can reduce your risk of choking on cashews by cutting them into small pieces before eating them.
• You can reduce your risk of skin irritation from cashews by wearing gloves when you handle them.
• You can reduce your risk of kidney stones from cashews by eating them in moderation.

How to Step-by-Step Approach

How to remove a cashew from your throat

1. If the person is choking, call 911 immediately.
2. If the person is not choking, try to remove the cashew by coughing it up.
3. If you cannot remove the cashew by coughing it up, you can try to dislodge it by giving the person the Heimlich maneuver.
4. If the Heimlich maneuver does not work, you will need to take the person to the hospital so that the cashew can be removed by a doctor.

How to treat skin irritation from cashews

1. Wash your skin with soap and water.
2. Apply a cool compress to the irritated area.
3. Take an over-the-counter antihistamine to reduce itching and swelling.
4. If the skin irritation is severe, you should see a doctor.

How to prevent kidney stones from cashews

1. Eat cashews in moderation.
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Avoid other high-oxalate foods, such as spinach, rhubarb, and beets.
4. Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of developing kidney stones.

Compare Pros and Cons

Pros of eating cashews

• Cashews are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
• Cashews are low in carbohydrates and sodium.
• Cashews are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, zinc, and iron.

Cons of eating cashews

• Cashews can be a choking hazard for children.
• Cashews can cause skin irritation in some people.
• Cashews can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.

Conclusion

Cashews are a healthy and nutritious food, but they can also be a source of medical problems. If you have a cashew allergy, you should avoid eating cashews and other foods that contain cashews. If you experience skin irritation from cashews, you should wash your skin with soap and water and apply a cool compress. If you have kidney stones, you should talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of developing more stones.