If you are allergic to a pollen you may be allergic or react to certain foods such as apples, celery, nuts, melons or bananas. Numerous studies have confirmed the reports of people who have pollen allergies reacting to certain foods. The most well described and studied of the food-pollen syndromes is the oral allergy syndrome (OAS) or as it is also called “the burning mouth syndrome” because of the typical reaction noted by affected people. After eating a food that cross reacts with a pollen to which you are allergic, burning or tingling sensations begin in your mouth. Itching, pain, swelling and difficulty swallowing or breathing may occur. True anaphylaxis resulting in total body collapse from shock and death if not reversed has rarely been reported.
Typical pollen allergy symptoms such as runny nose and congestion, itchy watery eyes, and wheezing are also commonly reported. Other symptoms described include nausea, stomachaches, headaches, diarrhea and chest or throat tightness. Very few people are aware of these associations. Most doctors, except a few allergists and gastroenterologists, do not explore patients allergy history in the context of possible food reactions. Educating people about these types of conditions is one of the primary goals of “the food doc”, Dr. Scot Lewey, a practicing gastroenterologist (stomach-intestine specialist).
Ragweed pollen has been shown to be associated with these type of reactions after people eat bananas and fruits in the gourd family such as watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe. Pollen from Mugwort, another weed also known as Sagebrush, in the Artemisia family, has been associated with allergic reactions to celery, carrots, fruits in the Rosaceae family (apples, cherries, peaches) and those in the Gourd family (melons). Pistachio, persimmon, peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, lettuce, camomile tea, and honey have also been reported to cause reactions in some people who are Mugwort pollen allergic.
Birch tree pollen is associated with numerous food cross reactions including celery. Cross-reactivity between celery and Birch pollen occurs more in central Europe whereas in Southern Europe celery and Mugwort reactions are more common. A Mugwort-Birch-Celery-Spice syndrome has also been described. People allergic to both Birch tree and Mugwort weed pollen may react to spices like pepper and paprika in addition to celery, carrot, and mango. Birch pollen is strongly associated with food reactions to Rosaceae family fruits (apples, apricots, peaches, pears, cherries), tree nuts (walnut, hazelnut, Brazil nut), legumes (peanut, various beans and peas), members of the Parsnip family (parsnip, parsley, anise, cumin, caraway, coriander) and the potato-nightshades (potato, tomato, peppers).
House dust mite, a serious allergen for many people, cross reacts with mangos, shellfish, bananas, melons, tomato, avocado, papaya, pineapple, peaches, Kiwi fruit and various spices. Kiwi, an unusual fruit in a class by itself, may elicit a reaction in people allergic to Birch trees, Mugwort weed pollen, and latex. The Latex-Fruit Allergy Syndrome is characterized by allergy to foods in the Rosaceae family including almond (classified as a fruit not a nut) and plums, as well as other fruits such as passion fruit, papaya, pineapple, mango, melons, and bananas. It is also associated with reactions to spices such as dill, ginger, and oregano and the nightshades, potato and tomato and chestnuts.
A few articles in scientific literature have reported associations of specific HLA gene patterns to pollen allergy and fewer still have noted HLA DR and DQ gene pattern associations with food-pollen cross-reaction syndromes. HLA DQ genetics are well known in celiac disease. There is also limited published data associating certain DQ patterns with microscopic colitis, collagenous colitis and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. HLA typing may be clinically useful in evaluation and elimination diet recommendations for suspected food allergic, intolerant or sensitive individuals. This type of information will be one of the goals of thefooddoc.com website. A table that lists the common pollens and foods that have been reported to cross-react with those pollens will be posted on the site very soon.
Though extensive research has been done and many of the protein structures contributing to these cross-reactions is known, little is known about these reactions by most of the lay public and many doctors. Seasonal pollen allergies may be associated with more severe reactions. Those with documented cross-reactions or prior OAS reactions may be at increased risk and certain HLA gene or DQ patterns may be associated. People with known or suspected pollen allergies should be aware of these possible food reactions. If you would like further help sorting out if you are intolerant or allergic to certain foods please visit http://www.thefooddoc.com in the near future to undergo a free online assessment and sign up for the online diet symptom diary, updates, and access the free educational content.
Archive
Posts Tagged ‘Anaphylaxis’
Feb
08
Aug
02
Rhinitis during pregnancy can be due to allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or non-allergic rhinitis. If the woman has had allergic rhinitis prior to pregnancy, this could worsen, stay the same, or even improve. This change in symptoms may be dependent upon many factors, including the presence of seasonal allergens and increase in pregnancy hormones.
Non-allergic rhinitis in pregnancy may also be due to an increase in pregnancy hormones, leading to nasal congestion, runny nose and post nasal drip. This is called “rhinitis of pregnancy”. The symptoms may mimic allergies, but since they are non-allergic in nature, do not respond to anti-histamines.
The pregnant woman with rhinitis may be concerned about the safety of medications during pregnancy, and therefore avoid taking medications.
If avoidance of allergic triggers is not possible or successful, medications may be needed to control symptoms.
Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis During Pregnancy
Allergy testing includes skin testing or blood tests, called a RAST. In general, allergy skin testing is not done during pregnancy, given the small chance of anaphylaxis which may occur. Anaphylaxis during pregnancy, if severe, could result in a decrease in blood and oxygen to the uterus, possibly harming the fetus. Therefore, allergy testing is usually deferred during pregnancy, although a RAST would be a safe alternative if the results are needed during pregnancy.
Safety of Allergy Medications During Pregnancy
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), no drugs are considered completely safe in pregnancy. This is because no pregnant woman would want to sign up for a medication safety study while she is pregnant. Therefore, the FDA has assigned risk categories to medications based on use in pregnancy.
Pregnancy category “A” medications are medications in which there are good studies in pregnant women showing the safety of the medication to the baby in the first trimester. There are very few medications in this category, and no asthma medications.
Category “B” medications show good safety studies in pregnant animals but there are no human studies available.
Pregnancy category “C” medications may result in adverse effects on the fetus when studied in pregnant animals, but the benefits of these drugs may out weight the potential risks in humans.
Category “D” medications show clear risk to the fetus, but there may be instances in which the benefits outweigh the risks in humans. And finally, category “X” medications show clear evidence of birth defects in animals and/or human studies and should not be used in pregnancy.
Before any medication is taken during pregnancy, the doctor and patient must have a risk/benefit discussion. This means that the benefits of the medication should be weighed against the risks – and the medication should only be taken if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Treatment of Rhinitis During Pregnancy
Nasal saline. Rhinitis of pregnancy tends not to respond to anti-histamines or nasal sprays. This condition seems to respond temporarily to nasal saline (salt water), which is safe to use during pregnancy (it is not actually a drug). Nasal saline is available over the counter, is inexpensive, and can be used as often as needed. Generally 3 to 6 sprays are placed in each nostril, leaving the saline in the nose for up to 30 seconds, and then blowing the nose.
Anti-histamines. Older anti-histamines, such as chlorpheniramine and tripelennamine, are the preferred agents to treat allergic rhinitis during pregnancy, and are both category B medications. Newer anti-histamines such as over-the-counter loratadine (Claritin/Alavert and generic forms) and prescription cetirizine (Zyrtec) are also pregnancy category B medications.
Decongestants. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, many generic forms) is the preferred oral decongestant to treat allergic and non-allergic rhinitis during pregnancy, although should be avoided during the entire first trimester, as it has been associated with infant gastroschisis. This medication is pregnancy category C.
Medicated nasal sprays. Cromolyn nasal spray (NasalCrom, generics) is helpful in treating allergic rhinitis if it is used before exposure to an allergen and prior to the onset of symptoms. This medication is pregnancy category B and is available over the counter. If this medication is not helpful, one nasal steroid, budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua), recently received a pregnancy category B rating (all others are category C), and therefore would be the nasal steroid of choice during pregnancy.
Immunotherapy. Allergy shots can be continued during pregnancy, but it is not recommended to start this treatment while pregnant. Typically the dose of the allergy shots is not increased, and many allergists will cut the dose of the allergy shot by 50 percent during pregnancy. Some allergists feel that allergy shots should be stopped during pregnancy, given the risk of anaphylaxis and possible danger to the fetus as a result. Other than anaphylaxis, there is no data showing that the allergy shots themselves are actually harmful to the fetus.
Jul
17
Generally, allergy is a word that describes as reaction of body tissues in certain individuals, which is uncommon in substance and has no noticeable or characteristic result on other people. Studies have shown that out of every one hundred Americans seventeen of them are indeed hypersensitive to some substances that are known to cause uncommon reactions, in other words they are allergic to common sources of allergens. These allergens may range widely from varies sources of irritants. For instance, some individuals show signs of allergies when introduced to certain annoyances such as dust and pet dander as well as insect venom, mold spores and pollens. Others may show signs of allergies when exposed to flowers and yet other individuals may show signs of being allergic to certain soaps.
Common Allergies:
1. Anaphylaxis – generated by food, insect stings or drugs
2. Contact Allergies – activated by skin-affecting allergens
3. Food Allergies – provoked by certain types of food
4. Insect Sting Allergies – produced by insect venom
5. Respiratory Allergies – prompted by airborne allergens
In view of the fact that all individuals may display reactions unique to their own bodily system, allergic reactions may vary widely as well as show signs to all or some of the reactions listed below. Always seek advice from your physician if any allergic reaction becomes severe or persistent. Here you will find symptoms, which are associated with common allergy types, these symptoms may range from mild to very severe.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal allergic reaction that has sudden and severe affects on varies areas of the body. This allergic reaction is most commonly found resulting from food or drug allergies as well as from insect stings. Anaphylaxis requires urgent medical attention. Anaphylaxis is generally noticeable very soon after the exposure of the affecting allergens, and can very well bring on a life endangering shock. As well, other signs of Anaphylaxis are distress of the respiratory system, swelling in certain areas of the body or the total body and an extreme itching over the total body.
Anaphylactic symptoms include:
1. Abnormal heartbeat
2. Tightening sensation of the chest
3. Difficulty in swallowing and breathing
4. Swelling of the throat, mouth and tongue
5. Flushing of the skin
6. Tingling or itching throughout the body
7. Agitation, anxiety or distress
8. Confusion or disorientation
9. Dizziness or lightheadedness
10. Fainting or nausea
11. Stomach upsets such as abdominal cramps, vomiting or diarrhea
Since some severe cases of anaphylactic shock, can occur and can prove to be life threatening it is best to get proper medical treatment immediately. As a sudden drop in blood pressure, which results from the dilation of blood vessels may also cause the loss of consciousness and the swelling of the body’s bronchial tissues can cause choking before the loss of consciousness.
Contact Allergies
The symptoms of contact allergies normally occur within a few moments of exposure to the allergen; however, it is possible for reactions to the allergens to show up several hours after exposure. There are many common allergens such as poison oak and poison ivy as well as medications, latex, dyes, fragrances or perfumes and cosmetics, preservatives and nickel, rubber and hair dyes. Nickel is a frequently used metal in jewelry, hairpins, buttons and zippers as well as snaps and metal clips and is frequently associated with allergies. Some individuals may also display signs of being allergic to the exposure of the sun.
Mild Symptoms:
1. Eczema
2. Hives
3. Redness or swelling of the skin
4. Itchy or a bumpy rash
5. Skin bumps that are filled with fluid
Severe Symptoms:
1. Anaphylaxis
Food Allergies
Certain types of food, which normally occurs within a few minutes, generally bring on a food allergy symptom. As well as showing, up several hours after the food consumption. Although it is possible for food allergies to involve many areas of the body, it is usually seen around the areas of the mouth and lips as well as the digestive tract. Foods that are commonly known to cause allergic reactions are milk, nuts, eggs, wheat and soy as well as shellfish and fish products.
Mild Symptoms:
1. Tightness of the throat
2. Difficulty in swallowing or speaking
3. Itching, swelling or tingling in the areas of the mouth, throat, tongue and lips
4. Wheezing
5. Sneezing
6. Coughing or congestion
7. Rashes of the skin
8. Itchy, stuffy or runny nose
9. Nausea
10. Abdominal cramping and indigestion
11. Diarrhea and vomiting
Severe Symptoms:
1. Difficulty in breathing
2. Sudden increase of heart rate
3. Sudden hoarseness or inability to speak
4. Extreme facial swelling
5. Sudden outbreak of facial itching
6. Dizziness and fainting
7. Sudden and profuse sweating
8. Anaphylaxis
Insect Sting Allergies
Although it is possible to develop symptoms of allergies to insect stings can occur several hours after exposure, most symptoms of allergies from insect stings normally happen just a few moments after being stung. Allergic reactions from insect venom can come from such insects as bees, hornets and wasps as well as yellow jackets and fire ants.
Mild Symptoms:
1. Swelling of the tongue
2. Tightness of the chest
3. Difficulty in breathing
4. Fever
5. Nausea or fatigue
6. Hives
7. Swelling in other areas of the body, including the stung area
8. Itching in other areas of the body, including the stung area
9. Pain in other areas of the body, including the stung area
Severe Symptoms:
1. Anaphylaxis
Respiratory Allergies
Respiratory allergies symptoms generally occur after several hours of exposure, which is normally provoked by airborne allergens, such as dust mites, plant pollens, and pet dander and mold spores.
Mild Symptoms:
1. Itchy, watery, red swollen eyes
2. Impaired sense of smell
3. Postnasal drip
4. Runny or stuffy nose running with clear thin mucus
5. Sneezing
6. Wheezing
7. Coughing
8. Itchy nose or throat
9. Congestion
10. Hoarseness of the throat
11. Conjunctivitis
12. Fatigue
Severe Symptoms:
1. Pain and tightness in the chest
2. Difficult or shortness of breathing
It is vital to understand that many allergies have symptoms similar to other diseases or conditions. This is why it is of the utmost importance that you consult with your physician while assessing a condition and getting a proper diagnosis.