Garlic is a common spice found in countless dishes.
While garlic allergies are rare, they are possible.
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Allergic Dermatitis
People with garlic allergies often experience allergiccontact dermatitisafter touching or handling fresh garlic.
Asthma
Many people with a garlic allergy reportsymptoms of asthma.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
As with other food allergies, garlic allergies often cause gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
For example, you might notice the following after eating garlic-rich foods:
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Mouth- and Lip-Related Symptoms
Garlic allergies can also directly affect the mouth and lips.
Garlic Allergy vs. Garlic Intolerance
An actual allergy to garlic that causes the above symptoms is rare.
Signs of a garlic intolerance (or anyfood intolerance) are less serious than those of an allergy.
They include:
How Garlic Allergy Is Diagnosed
Garlic allergies are diagnosed throughallergy testing.
Examples include:
Many commonly prepared food items also contain garlic or garlic powder.
Check the labels carefully on soups, stews, sauces, salad dressings, and spice mixes.
Tips for Cooking Without Garlic
Theres no clear-cut substitute for the aroma and flavor of garlic.
Although its not guaranteed that youll have an onion allergy if you have a garlic allergy, its likely.
As with other vegetables in the genusAllium, onions contain many of the same compounds as garlic.
They can refer you to an allergist for further testing.
Emergency Help for Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.
While rare, its possible to experience anaphylaxis in response to garlic.
If you suspect a garlic allergy, contact an allergist for a complete examination and testing.
Seek emergency medical assistance if you experience any signs of anaphylaxis.
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