Have you ever eaten avocado only to experience itchy throat and severe stomach cramps? If so, you must be suffering from avocado allergy. Avocado is eaten as a fruit and is also used in salads and other dishes. Guacamole is a popular Mexican dish made with avocados. Although relished by many, it does trigger allergy in a few people.
Why Does Avocado Cause Allergy?
The proteins in the avocado are the reasons behind avocado allergy. Our body mistakenly identifies these proteins as harmful and launches an attack against them. This gives rise to the allergic reaction.
Avocado allergy and latex
People with latex allergy are more likely to suffer from avocado allergy. This is because both latex and avocado share similar proteins and trigger similar reactions. The symptoms can be itchy throat, swelling of lips, tongue and uvula, abdominal pains and diarrhea.
Avocado allergy and Birch pollen allergies:
People with birch pollen allergies may also suffer from avocado allergies. The symptoms can be hives, vomiting and abdominal pain. In addition to this, people with avocado allergy may also be allergic to banana, kiwi, chestnut and mango.
Avocado Allergy Symptoms:
Avocado allergy symptoms may start soon after eating the fruit. The common symptoms include itchy throat, severe abdominal pains, vomiting and diarrhea. People also experience swelling of lips, mouth and uvula, hives and runny nose.
Allergy Testing for Avocado:
If you are experiencing unpleasant reactions after eating avocado, it is time to get yourself tested. Skin prick test and blood test (RAST) are the two tests which can detect avocado allergy. Do consult your allergist for these tests.
Prevention and Treatment of Avocado Allergy:
To prevent avocado allergy, strictly avoid avocado and avocado based foods. While eating out in a restaurant, do not hesitate to ask the waiter about the ingredients used in the dish. Also read the labels while shopping for food products.
Treatment for avocado includes taking antihistamines or Claritin. If the symptoms become severe, you should immediately take epinephrine. Epi-pen which is an injectable epinephrine can be carried and can be used to stop the allergic reaction from worsening. This is because in a few cases, avocado allergy can lead to anaphylaxis which is a severe form of allergic reaction.
People with avocado allergies should be careful with latex, birch pollen, banana, kiwi, chestnut and mango. So, if you think you have avocado allergy, it is time to take precautions and prevent its unpleasant effects.
More Treatments for Avocado Allergy
The main thing is to avoid contact with the allergen. So, dietary modification is necessary to exclude avocado. Other useful treatments include:
- Nasal sprays, including antihistamines and topical steroids, for allergic rhinitis.
- Eyedrops — olapatadine, ketotifen, levocabastine and ketorolac for allergic conjunctivitis.
- For asthma, take inhaled corticosteroids and inhaled beta agonists.
- Take oral steroids for moderate allergic symptoms, with skin conditions or asthma.
- Desensitization to get used to the allergen.
- In case of anaphylactic reaction, hospitalization may be necessary.
