Avocado Allergy

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, not more than two percent of adults in the US observe symptoms of food allergies. Further studies conducted showed that among those patients diagnosed with food allergies, less than 10 percent are allergic to avocado.

Compared to other adverse effect of food allergies, avocado allergy does not pose too much threat. One may simply observe oral, digestive and skin discomfort after eating avocado. Then again, allergic reactions need to be given immediate attention to avoid the development or complications or worse conditions.

In addition to this, rare cases of avocado allergy lead to a life threatening symptom called anaphylaxis. It is thus important for anyone to immediately spot avocado allergy symptoms and know the ways in which they can provide temporary relief to these adverse reactions.

There are actually two types of avocado allergy, namely:

1. oral allergy syndrome - caused by birch pollen
2. allergies associated with latex allergy

Oral Allergy Syndromes

The symptoms that fall under the oral allergy syndromes are often observed in the mouth, lips and throat:

• itching
• inflammation
• swelling: this symptom may progress from the insides of the mouth to the eyelids and face. In some cases, the eyes shut due to severe swelling
• swallowing difficulties

The manifestation of these avocado allergy symptoms may range from few minutes up to one hour after eating fresh avocado or cuisines containing the fruit. One can easily distinguish oral allergy syndrome from those caused by latex as these signs no longer develop into a systemic type reaction. This means that these signs are practically harmless when quickly attended to.

Latex Allergy

On the other hand, some of the reactions induced by latex allergy include the following:

• upset stomach
• urticaria or hives: can be observed even without the avocado coming in contact with the skin. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases suggest that the allergens from avocado can be carried through the bloodstream and reaches the skin, thereby creating allergy signs there.
• pain in the abdomen
• vomiting
• stomach cramps
• constipation
• diarrhea
• headache and/or nausea
• anaphylaxis

Notice that these symptoms are more deadly compared to the oral allergies. Avocados are not the only fruits that can cause these reactions. Bananas, melons, mango, chestnuts and kiwis are also found to induce such symptoms. Patients then should know the first aid to these signs and call 911 in case these adverse reactions to avocados are observed.

It is also best to eat organically grown avocados when patients are diagnosed with latex allergy. Farmers who treat avocados with ethylene gas to make the fruits ripen quicker induces "chitinases" content to the fruit, which exhibit properties that can be similar to latex content of avocados.

Other avocado allergy symptoms may also include the following:

• rashes on the skin
• cough
• shortness of breath
• asthma
• wheezing
• sneezing
• nasal congestion
• runny nose
• watering of eyes
• warm feeling of the body caused by hives
• redness of the face
• insomnia

Avocado Allergy in Infants

Adults are not the only ones who are diagnosed with avocado allergy. As rare as this condition may be, even infants are also known to show intolerance to avocado. Parents then should be wary of baby food contents especially when their babies are diagnosed with latex allergy.

The following symptoms are usually observed among babies with avocado allergies:

• skin rash
• swelling of the lips
• throat and tongue swelling
• watery eyes
• runny nose coupled with sneezing
• pain in the stomach (observed when the baby is irritable)
• diarrhea
• shortness of breath
• anaphylaxis

Remedies for Avocado Allergy Symptoms

Doctors are yet to discover shots and permanent solution to food allergies, including those induced by avocado. Using anti-histamines that can be bought over the counter, nonetheless, serve as the quickest remedy and temporary relief to symptoms of avocado allergy.

Patients may also find the home remedies useful in treating avocado allergy symptoms:

1. Green or chamomile tea - drinking these should be effective in relieving the patient from hives, itching or skin rashes.
2. Aloe vera gel - herbal medicine experts found aloe vera's anti-histamine contents. The gel is a good alternative for topical medicines
3. Fresh pomegranate or sugar cane juice - for diarhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset and other discomforts in the digestive symtem
4. Concoction of tomato soup with one tsp of freshly chopped ginger, one tsp of lemon juice with a dash of salt - effective in treating mild respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion, watery eyes, cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath

Remember to always consult with a physician in using first aid treatments for avocado allergy symptoms. Should the patient exhibit signs leading to anaphylaxis, it is best to call 911 and leave the first aid to the doctors.

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