Avocado Allergy
Avocados are a nutrient-rich fruit that are considered part of healthy diet. There are dozens of avocado varieties, which differ in quality, size and appearance, and they are categorized in three ways: Mexican, Guatemalan and West-Indian. The Hass and Fuerte avocados are the most popular varieties in the United States.
Individuals with avocado allergies must take special precautions to avoid the fruit. If an avocado exposure does occur, the body's immune system creates a defense system to battle the food. Avocado allergies are generally uncommon but can lead to bothersome symptoms in sensitive individuals.
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Food Allergies
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According to the Mayo Clinic, food allergies affect approximately 8 percent of children under the age of 3 and just 4 percent of adults. The most common food allergens are shellfish, milk, soy, wheat, peanut and egg. Exposure to these foods can trigger respiratory, digestive and skin-related conditions such as hives, swollen airways or diarrhea. People with more severe food allergies can also suffer from a life-threatening called anaphylaxis. Although rare, anaphylaxis is a serious, whole-body reaction that requires immediate, emergency attention.
Food intolerances are sometimes confused for food allergies. Food intolerances can be just as irritating as an allergy but involve the digestive system rather than the immune system.
The Avocado and Latex Connection
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The American College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology reports that allergic reactions to latex are becoming more common. Physical responses can range from mild to severe or even life-threatening immediately following contact with latex. A latex allergy can cause symptoms of itchy skin, stuffy nose, wheezing, hives, difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis.
According to the ACAAI, individuals with latex allergies also often have food allergies. The most common problem foods include: apples, almonds, avocados, bananas, carrots, celery, chestnuts, hazelnuts, kiwis, melons, papayas, pearss, raw potatoes, peaches and tomatoes. This condition is also called the latex-fruit syndrome and is due to a similar protein found in both latex and fruits. Similar symptoms in individuals allergic to latex and avocados include: itchy skin and eyes, tingling in the mouth, stuffy nose and wheezing.
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Avocado and Pollen Allergies
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As specified by the Mayo Clinic, individuals with hay fever can develop allergic reactions after consuming fruits such as avocados and apples. This is due to a cross-reactivity where proteins in certain foods induce an allergic reaction because of their likeness to allergy-causing proteins in pollen. Fortunately, cooking fruits and vegetables can help deter these types of allergic reactions.
Diagnosis
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Skin and blood tests are widely used among physicians and allergists; however, sometimes that's not enough. Patients should strive to adequately communicate with their doctors in order to avoid a wrong diagnosis since tests aren't always 100 percent accurate.
Treatment and Prevention
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An allergic response to avocados can include the following symptoms: itching, difficulty swallowing and breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, hives and anaphylaxis. Most, if not all, of the symptoms occur shortly after eating the avocado.
The best way to treat an avocado allergy is to avoid the food completely; however, antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, eye drops and leukotriene inhibitors (Singulair) are commonly used medicines to combat an allergy to avocados.
People allergic to avocados should avoid guacamole and any dishes containing avocado. Salsas, soups, salads and breads are common foods made with avocado. When going out to restaurants, people allergic to avocado can opt to carry a card to show the server what they're allergic to. And sensitive individuals can also wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace in case of allergy attacks.
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References
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- Photo Credit avocado image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
