Some individuals who are highly sensitive to sweet potato might experience adverse reactions. Food allergies might settle with age, but many adults continue to have allergies as well. It is vital to be familiar with the symptoms of this allergy so that you will know when to seek medical care.
What are the indications?
If the individual is highly allergic to sweet potato or other related foods, a reaction generally manifests in a short span of time after ingestion.
The symptoms might vary but any of the following might arise:
- Skin rashes
- Facial swelling
- Tongue inflammation
- Itchiness
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
The doctor will administer epinephrine to rapidly counteract the reaction and open the airway.
In severe cases, the throat tissues might start to swell and this trigger breathing issues. If the inflamed tissues obstruct the airway, it results to difficulty breathing and even death if prompt treatment is not given.
Management of reactions to sweet potato
For minor cases of allergic reactions, they often settle with over-the-counter antihistamines. These drugs work by counteracting the histamine reaction responsible for the symptoms.
In case a severe reaction occurs, treatment in an emergency department is necessary. The doctor will administer epinephrine to rapidly counteract the reaction and open the airway.
For individuals who have a history of severe reactions, epinephrine is usually prescribed by the doctor to be on hand always. A shot should be given if a severe reaction is suspected.