Fruit allergy, a condition that makes your mouth itchy and burns

Generally, food allergies are caused by ingredients that contain nuts, milk, or even other protein sources. However, do you know if someone has a fruit allergy?

Just like other food allergies, fruit allergies will cause itching after eating them. So, why does someone get a fruit allergy?

What is a fruit allergy?

An allergic reaction to fruit is a condition in which a person's body considers the substances contained in the fruit to be dangerous, causing an allergic reaction in the form of itching or swelling after eating it. This substance is also commonly referred to as an allergen.

First, the body experiences sensitization, where when exposure to allergies enter the body the immune system will see the substance as a dangerous threat. Then the body produces antibodies that will trigger the release of allergen-fighting substances such as histamine. The release of histamine which meets this allergen will later cause an allergic reaction.

In people with fruit allergies, one possible cause is the presence of prophylin, a type of vegetable protein found in fruit. This protein plays a role in the formation of plant cells and can be found in melons, watermelons, oranges, and bananas.

There are also two conditions that often trigger allergic reactions to fruits, namely oral allergy syndrome and latex allergy.

Oral allergy syndrome or also called pollen-food allergy syndrome triggered because of the protein from fruits that are similar to protein that causes allergies. These food allergy-causing proteins are usually found in pollens, such as ragweed, birch, mugwort and grass.

Some of the fruits that contain these proteins are as follows.

1. Protein Birch pollen, found in apples, cherries, kiwi, peaches, pears, and plums.
2. Grass pollen protein found in melons, oranges, peaches, and tomatoes.
3. Ragweed pollen proteincontained in bananas.

Another condition is latex allergy. If your body is sensitive to certain proteins in latex rubber, it is likely that you will also be sensitive to fruits that have a protein content similar to latex.

Some fruits that contain a similar protein to latex are apricots, coconut, goji berries, jackfruit, lychee, mango, banana, and avocado. Fruit allergies due to the similarity of proteins in this plant are also often referred to as cross reactions.

Who is at risk for allergies?

People with a history of allergic reactions to birch tree, ragweed plant, or grass pollen, may develop oral allergy syndrome. However, this condition is usually not found in children.

On the other hand, children who are 10 years and over or in their teens, and young adults can actually experience fruit allergies even though they have eaten the same fruit for years. This is because oral sensitivity in humans can develop with age.

Symptoms that can be felt when an allergic reaction occurs

Source: Allergy and Asthma Association of Allen

Allergic reactions will usually appear within minutes of consuming the trigger fruit. However, there are also some people who only experience reactions after one to two hours. Some of the symptoms of a food allergy caused by fruit include:

• a red, itchy rash on the skin,
• swelling and itching of the lips, tongue, and the area in the mouth,
• itchy throat,
• stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting,
• sneeze, as well
• cold.

It should be noted, too, that the symptoms of this fruit allergy generally only last a few seconds or minutes. This is because fruit protein can be broken down quickly by saliva. These allergies usually go away quickly and don't require serious treatment.

In addition, protein causes pollen-food syndrome not too strong against heat or acid in the stomach. This is why people who have this allergy are less likely to experience severe reactions than other types of food allergies. Some people also don't experience allergy symptoms after eating cooked fruit.

Even so, there is still a slight chance for allergic people to experience anaphylaxis, a severe symptomatic reaction that makes swallowing and breathing difficult. Anaphylactic shock is extremely dangerous and can be life threatening. If you experience it, you should seek medical help immediately.

Overcoming and preventing fruit allergies

Before handling and prevention, of course, you must first determine whether the symptoms you feel are allergic symptoms. To find out, you have to go to the doctor for examinations and various kinds of allergy tests.

Some food allergy tests that may be done are allergen exposure tests through skin prick and blood tests. Together with the data that the doctor obtains during a physical examination, the test results will provide a clear picture of your condition.

If you have really been diagnosed with this allergy, start avoiding any food or drink that contains trigger fruit, including beauty products that use the fruit as an ingredient such as lip balm.

When you go grocery shopping, remember to always read ingredient composition labels. Make sure the product you buy is free from fruit that can trigger your allergies.

In some cases, cooking certain fruits and vegetables can break down and alter the proteins that cause oral allergy syndrome. However, this depends on what kind of fruit triggered the reaction.

Generally, there are some fruits and vegetables that have their own conditions when cooked. Nuts and celery, for example, contain several allergens and are not all destroyed by heat. In fruits, allergens in strawberries are also resistant to heat.

However, fruit juices that have been pasteurized (heated or cooked) are usually safe for consumption. Then, most food sources such as tomatoes, apples, potatoes, pears, and most other soft fruits are also better cooked first to destroy the protein that causes allergies.

If you are not sure about the food or ingredients you want to consume, consult your doctor or allergist. They can later assist you in compiling a meal menu and provide a list of recommended ingredients that you can use.

For those of you who have a severe allergic reaction, the doctor will give you medicine in the form of an auto injection of epinephrine which must be near you and carried every time you travel. So, when this reaction occurs, you can immediately inject the drug before going to the emergency room.