Anaphylaxis requires the immediate use of an epinephrine auto-injector likeEpiPen, and further medical attention.
It’s easy to tell if some foods have corn in them, like cornstarch or popcorn.
However, corn can also be hidden in many other foods and products.
Verywell / Zorica Lakonic
Corn products are also very common in processed foods.
It also lists foods and other products to avoid with a corn allergy.
How Frequent Is Corn Allergy?
They may not realize that corn is causing their symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Corn Allergy?
Food allergies can have a range of symptoms.
You may have many of them or just a few.
These allergens can cause symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and/orasthma.
Sometimes, an allergy can cause a serious reaction.
What Causes Corn Allergy?
We know what causes somefood allergies, like nuts, shellfish, andwheat.
We’re not sure why people are allergic to corn.
A protein in corn calledzeincould be what causes an allergic reaction.
The body releases antibodies calledimmunoglobulinE (IgE)as a defense.
IgE tells the cells in the immune system to put out substances calledhistamines.
It’s the histamines that cause allergy symptoms.
It can also happen if you eat foods that were made using corn products.
As a general rule, it’s important to check the ingredients lists on food products before buying them.
Keep in mind that food manufacturers can change their ingredients at any time.
Medications and Supplements
Medications, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements can also contain corn.
Always check the labels on these products.
However, diagnosing food allergies can be tricky.
Allergy testingwith blood tests and skin tests does not always give accurate results.
These tests often say that a person is allergic to something when they really aren’t.
This is called a false-positive test result.
Research has shown that a false-positive test result on anallergy testcould still be a hint that you are allergic.
This is called anelimination diet.
Once you stop eating foods with corn in them, you slowly start putting them back in.
You might need to do a food challenge test.
Instead of avoiding corn, you will eat it on purpose.
The main way to treat a corn allergy is to prevent a reaction in the first place.
That means doing your best to avoid corn and corn products.
If you have a serious allergy, you will need to be prepared.
Epinephrine (EpiPen) is the only way to treat an anaphylactic reaction.
You will need to carry one with you and know how to use it.
That includes knowing how to use an EpiPen.
If you have a severe allergy to corn, you might want to wear amedical alert bracelet.
That way, emergency responders will know about your allergy even if you are unable to tell them.
However, that’s not always easy to do.
There are many hidden sources of corn in foods and other products.
These items don’t have to be labeled to let you know that they have corn in them.
That means it’s easy to be exposed to corn by accident.
It can be helpful to work with a dietician or nutritionist if you have food allergies.
They can show you how to spot corn and corn products on food labels and ingredients lists.
Even if you know what to look for, you won’t always have the option.
When you’re dining out, don’t be afraid to talk to the person preparing your meal.
you’re able to ask them about the ingredients and how they are making the food.
Children who are allergic to corn may have a harder time avoiding it.
You’ll also need to talk to the caregivers of your child’s friends before birthday parties and playdates.
If you have a corn allergy, there are foods and ingredients that you should not eat.
There are also some corn-based ingredients that are OK for some people with a corn allergy.
Summary
A corn allergy is a jot down of food allergy.
It’s not very common to be allergic to corn, but it can be serious.
If you have symptoms after eating corn or using products made with corn, talk to your doctor.
Many products, even non-food items, have corn in them or are made using corn.
If you have a corn allergy, it can be hard to avoid them.
That said, your healthcare team can help you find ways to avoid corn and prevent an allergic reaction.
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