Many individuals are diagnosed with food allergies. A small percentage of these individuals have avocado allergy. Unlike with other adverse effects of food allergies, avocado allergy does not pose too much threat. A highly sensitive individual can experience digestive, oral and skin discomfort after eating avocado. Remember that allergic reactions require immediate medical attention to avoid the development or complications or worsen the condition.
In rare cases, avocado allergy can lead to a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. With this in mind, it is vital to spot the allergy symptoms and be prepared on how to provide temporary relief to the reactions.
Types of avocado allergy
It is important to note that there are two types of avocado allergy – oral allergy syndrome which is caused by birch pollen and allergies linked with latex allergy.
What is oral allergy syndrome?
The symptoms under the oral allergy syndrome often affect the lips, mouth and throat which include the following:
- Inflammation
- Itchiness
- Swelling that progresses from the interior of the mouth to the face and eyelids
- Difficulty swallowing
The manifestation of these symptoms can range from a few minutes up to an hour after eating fresh avocado or dishes that contain the fruit. You can easily differentiate oral allergy syndrome from those caused by latex since these do not develop into a systemic reaction. It simply means that these signs are simply harmless as long as quickly treated.
What is latex allergy?
Take note that some of the reactions triggered by latex allergy include the following:
- Hives or urticaria
- Stomach upset
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and/or headache
- Anaphylaxis
These symptoms are more severe than the oral allergy syndrome. Remember that avocadoes are not the only fruits that can trigger these reactions. Melons, bananas, chestnuts, mango and kiwis can also trigger these symptoms.
Other symptoms of avocado allergy include cough, skin rashes, asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath, sneezing as well as a runny nose, nasal congestion, reddening of the face, watery eyes and insomnia.
Avocado allergy in infants
Adults are not the only ones that are diagnosed with avocado allergy. Even though uncommon, even infants are known to show intolerance to avocado. Parents should be careful of the contents of baby food particularly if diagnosed with latex allergy.
Remedies for the symptoms of avocado allergy
Even today, doctors have not yet discovered a permanent cure for food allergies, including avocado allergy. The use of antihistamines available over-the-counter can provide the quickest remedy and temporary relief to the symptoms of this type of allergy.
There are also other remedies that are useful in managing the symptoms of avocado allergy.
- Aloe vera gel contains antihistamine properties and a suitable alternative for topical medications.
- Chamomile or green tea is effective in relieving some of the symptoms such as skin rashes, hives or itchiness.
- A mixture of tomato soup with a teaspoon of freshly chopped ginger, lemon juice and a dash of salt. This is effective in managing mild respiratory symptoms such as watery eyes, nasal congestion, wheezing, cough and shortness of breath.
- Sugar cane or fresh pomegranate juice can be used for nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upset and other digestive symptoms.
A doctor should be consulted first when using first aid treatments for the symptoms of avocado allergy. In case the individual shows signs of anaphylaxis, it is best to call for emergency assistance right away.