When it comes to peach allergy, the symptoms can manifest in certain ways. It can manifest as an actual food allergy or develop as a birch-pollen allergy. An actual food allergy is a true reaction to peach. As for birch-pollen allergy, an individual develops an allergic reaction to peach since the protein of the fruit is strikingly similar to the birch-pollen allergen. In such circumstances, the body starts to recognize peach as birch pollen which results to an allergic reaction.
What are the symptoms?
Peach allergy is capable of triggering similar symptoms to other food allergies. In most cases, the individual can experience a tingling sensation inside the mouth that is followed by swelling of the tongue, lips, face, throat or other parts of the body.
The individual can also develop itchiness, hives, wheezing, nausea, nasal congestion, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, diarrhea, difficulty breathing and lightheadedness. In case of severe reactions, it can trigger anaphylaxis which can be life-threatening.
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is characterized as a systemic allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. This reaction can trigger the basic symptoms of a usual allergic reaction. On the other hand, other symptoms can also occur such as a drop in the blood pressure, rapid pulse rate, airway constriction, slurred speech, shock, abnormal breathing and loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical care to reverse the condition.
Individuals who are at risk for this severe reaction are often prescribed by the doctor with an epinephrine auto-injector that must be available at all times. This injectable epinephrine should be administered once the signs of a reaction are present. If the individual could not use one, you have to administer a shot and bring him/her to the nearest emergency department for further care.
Close look on peach allergy
If an individual suffers from peach allergy, it is not uncommon for the individual to have other fruit allergies. The fruits included in the Rosaceae family are the cause of most concern such as apricots, apples, pears, cherries and plums. Many individuals with peach allergy are more likely to be allergic to apples as well.
Treatment
The management of a minor case of peach allergy typically involves antihistamines. The use of over-the-counter medications right after ingestion of peach or foods that contain peach can help relieve the itchiness and hives that accompany the reaction. As for severe allergies, an epinephrine injection is often required.
Preventive measures
You can easily prevent an allergic reaction from peach by avoidance of foods that contain the fruit. It simply means that the individual should carefully read the labels. When dining out, it is vital to ask the server if peach is included in the dishes being ordered. It is vital to undergo testing to determine if the individual is also allergic to other fruits included in the Rosaceae family.