Pork allergy is classified under Type 1 or contact allergy. The body’s immune system produces immunoglobulin E (IgE – an antibody), and histamine in response to contact with the allergen. These allergic reactions start immediately, or a few hours after consuming pork. The allergy is very rare.
Either the meat itself, or the chemicals used to process the meat lead to allergies. Generally, proteins such as papain and casein are used as a stabilizer and tenderizer. Food allergies are mostly caused due to chemical contaminates and preservatives.
The antibiotics that are commonly used in the form are another potent source of pork allergy. Mitchell’s Gourmet Foods Inc, in 2001, recalled all its pork products because the hogs were injected with penicillin prior to their transfer to the processing center.
Symptoms of Pork Allergy
The most prominent pork allergy symptoms include the following:
- Severe anaphylactic reaction ( whole body reactions with rashes and redness)
- Asthma
- Abdominal symptoms
- Eczema
- Headaches
- Wheezing
- Runny nose
- Sinusitis
- Cough
- Hives
Treatment for Pork Allergy Symptoms
The treatment options for pork allergy symptoms include the following options:
- Avoid contact with the allergen
- Take adrenalin injection if anaphylaxis reaction occurs
- Antihistamine to keep in check the secreted histamine
- Use bronchodilators for countering the asthmatic symptoms
Other Treatment Options for Pork Allergy
If your allergy is mild and devoid of any serious reaction, the following common products will be of great help to you:
- Quercitin
- Bromelain
- Vitamin A
- Eucalyptus
- Iron
- L-Carnitine
One Final Advice
For either taking treatment or changing the nature and course of treatment strict medical supervision is mandatory.
More Treatments for Pork Allergy
The main thing is to avoid contact with the allergen. So, dietary modification is necessary to exclude pork. 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.
