Food allergies can range from minor, itchy red welts or urticaria to life-threatening anaphylaxis, with symptoms usually appearing two hours after eating a particular food. Most children outgrow allergies to milk, eggs and wheat; however peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish allergies tend to remain lifelong conditions.
Inform healthcare providers of any food allergies your child may have as well as childcare providers and school staff.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are an allergen commonly linked to stomach distress, diarrhea and vomiting. People allergic to tomatoes may also experience other symptoms including difficulty breathing, swelling or hives – these severe reactions should be addressed immediately to avoid potential life-threatening situations.
Study results revealed that 28% of students with atopic dermatitis reported food hypersensitivity reactions; tomato was one of the primary culprits. People suffering from asthma or eosinophilic oesophagitis may also be at greater risk of developing tomato allergies; additional cases have even been reported of food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (15).
Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family (Solanaceae), and contain chemicals known as alkaloids which may act as an irritant for individuals sensitive to them. Tomatoes can trigger itchy skin, digestive issues and headaches when eaten regularly by sensitive individuals.
Tomatoes may also be linked to pollen and latex allergies due to profilin, a protein present in tomatoes that studies have linked with IgE antibodies against profilin in those allergic to birch pollen (20). Birch pollen allergy sufferers were found to exhibit cross-reactivity towards tomatoes, bell peppers, apples, bananas and rubber latex (20). If you are allergic to tomatoes it would be wise to avoid all foods containing tomatoes such as ketchups or sauces containing tomatoes as well as speaking with an allergist regarding immunotherapy treatment which desensitizing your immune system against allergens for long-term relief (20).
Fish
An allergy to fish may be caused by several factors. Parvalbumin is the main food allergen responsible, while allergies to it tend to be IgE-mediated and should be diagnosed based on clinical history, skin prick tests (with extract from raw or cooked fish,) serum-specific IgE testing results and evaluation by physician-supervised oral food challenge.
Allergies to finned fish–like tuna, salmon and cod–are extremely common. While having an allergy to one type of fish does not mean you are allergic to all types of seafood (i.e. shellfish and crustaceans), in this instance it would be important to consult with an allergy/immunology specialist regarding cross-reactivity issues.
Fish and shellfish allergies typically appear after eating seafood, although individuals can also experience reactions by touching it, breathing in fumes from cooking it, or touching its raw meat. A food allergy can result in anything from itchy eyes to life-threatening anaphylaxis; those who have food allergies should carry an emergency dose of adrenaline with them at all times in case their symptoms worsen suddenly or life is threatened.
Citrus
Food allergies to citrus produce an array of symptoms ranging from skin rashes and hives to digestive distress and respiratory complications, and in extreme cases may even lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Common reactions to citrus include contact dermatitis, which causes an itchy rash to appear where juice or fruit touched your skin. Some individuals also report respiratory symptoms including wheezing and nasal congestion; digestive reactions include nausea and stomach ache.
Citrus can be found in many processed foods and drinks, from sports drinks and salad dressings to deli meats and cheese. Therefore, attentive label reading becomes key for maintaining an orange-free diet.
Some infants may be sensitive to citrus fruits, exhibiting symptoms as rashes only on areas touched by fruit or as diarrhea, vomiting and breathing issues. Such reactions could be the result of Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), an overreaction which occurs when proteins found both in pollen and fresh produce contain similar proteins that trigger allergic responses in people.
OAS can be diagnosed through a straightforward skin prick test in which purified allergen extracts are injected subdermally under your skin’s surface. If you are sensitive to citrus, for instance, this test will result in an raised bump at the injection site that resembles mosquito bites – making this an efficient yet traditional means of diagnosing such allergies as well as others found within other foods.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits like oranges and other citrus fruits, kiwis, red bell peppers and potatoes found at Grant Park Farmers Market is an essential nutrient that supports immune health, forms collagen and iron, helps heal wounds faster and treats oxidative damage to the body. Unfortunately, many don’t consume enough of this vital nutrient which has negative consequences such as reduced resistance to allergens and decreased immunity function.
Vitamin C’s antihistaminic properties enable it to help diminish allergy symptoms such as runny noses and sneezing. Furthermore, it may assist in controlling asthma by suppressing mast cells’ activity within the lungs – mast cells produce histamine that causes allergic reactions – producing histamine and thus contributing to allergic responses.
Food allergies can range in severity, from minor digestive distress to life-threatening anaphylaxis. While avoiding specific foods can alleviate symptoms, it’s also wise to discuss immunotherapy or prescription medication with a healthcare provider or allergist for best results.
At your appointment with an allergy specialist, they’ll ask about your symptoms, duration and dietary habits – this information will allow them to tailor a personalized plan of care that’s suitable for you.
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