Allergy to chestnuts is uncommon in the UK and this means there is limited information about the potential severity of allergic reactions. Doctors suspect that only a minority of people who are allergic to chestnuts are at risk of a severe reaction; however, it can be difficult to predict those at risk. There may be clues in your medical history. For example, people who suffer from asthma, especially if it is poorly controlled by treatment, are at an increased risk.