Citrus Allergies Reaction
An allergy is an unusual reaction in a person to a substance that is generally harmless for most other people.
Over 20 to 25 million Americans suffer from one form of allergy or another.
Many people are not aware of citrus fruits as one of the chief offenders among food allergens.
Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, tangerines, mandarin and Minneola are some of the citrus fruits which are responsible citrus fruit allergy.
It is very difficult for you to distinguish between citrus fruit allergy and food allergens, and therefore it is necessary to keep a food diary when you suffer from any food allergy.
The cause of citrus allergy is due to a specific protein present in that fruit.
Symptoms of Citrus Allergy
- Abdominal symptoms: they occur after two to three hours after eating citrus fruit. Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas are some of the symptoms of citrus allergy.
- Mouth: canker sores and tingling on tongue and upper palate.
- Throat: hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing.
- Nose: running nose, congestion.
- Skin: redness, rash, and itching.
- Respiratory: Cough and breathlessness.
- Anaphylaxis reaction is rare but life threatening.
Oranges are the most common cause of citrus allergy rash, eating oranges or contact with peels of the oranges can also cause skin rash.
Citrus Allergy Treatment
- If you suspect citrus fruit to be the cause of allergy, you should consult your doctor. He may advice you, for skin prick test or a blood test to diagnose the type of food allergy.
- Treatment for citrus allergy primarily involves avoiding citrus fruits.
- Your doctor may give symptomatic treatment for relief from citrus allergy symptoms.