WASHINGTON — NBC Sports host Mike Tirico has addressed his departure from Kentucky Derby coverage after a strong reaction to hid nut allergy. 

“I feel fine. I have my coffee, watching the show like do every morning,” Tirico told TODAY on Monday morning. “I’ve had a nut allergy my whole life and am usually very, very careful. I ate something that had a nut in it and had a nut allergy, causing your throat and your nose and all that stuff to kind of clog up and swell. It affects your breathing a little bit.” 

Tirico said he took an epinephrine shot after he wasn’t feeling well and also was treated by EMTs at Churchill Downs. He said while he felt better later that night, the medicine “takes a long while to get out of your system.” 

The veteran broadcaster told TODAY that he was unaware that May was Allergy and Asthma Awareness month until someone on social media told him about it. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 100 million people in the U.S. have asthma or allergies, with 20 million of those people having food allergies. 

“I had it as a kid and it’s a real thing,” Tirico explained, “My son has it. Lots of us know someone who as a food allergy, so read labels. And I do as often as possible to check. Sometimes it will say ‘Made in a factory where nuts are present.'”

“You have to really be careful about that stuff,” he added. 

Tirico went on to explain that cross-contamination is also a threat and emphasized the importance of asking questions. He also highlighted that dinner hosts should let people know if there’s anything made with nuts.

“Restaurants are great about it now, folks, so ask, inquire, be curious and be courteous to those who have nut allergies or other food allergies. There are many, obviously, around the country,” he said in the interview. 

Tirico was slated to host coverage of the first jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown for the ninth time on Saturday. He had left the storied track late Saturday afternoon and returned to his hotel, according to the AP. 

“Hate being a scratch after making the starting gate @kentuckyderby. Just a significant reaction to my nut allergy. If you have one you know how it can knock you down. I’m doing fine now,” he wrote on X on May 3.

Ahmed Fareed, who took over Tirico’s coverage, told viewers at the time that the broadcaster had suffered a reaction to a nut allergy and was going to stay on the sidelines. 

Tirico also said he is still set to host the Preakness Stakes on NBC on May 17.