Citrus allergies are uncommon but possible.
Allergies have been reported to grapefruit and oranges.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and alternatives of citrus allergy.
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They can range from mild symptoms toanaphylaxis.
These can include:
Those with a severe allergy may also experience anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.
Being able to identify symptoms of anaphylaxis is essential.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis may come on suddenly and rapidly worsen.
Causes
As with other allergies to fruit, a citrus allergy has many possible causes.
Many people with an allergy to citrus may also have an allergy to pollen.
People with pollen-food syndrome often already have a pollen allergy and may have hay fever symptoms.
These people will also experience allergy symptoms when eating certain fruits and vegetables.
Heated or processed versions of the food do not usually cause symptoms (including pasteurized orange juice).
Anaphylaxis from pollen-food syndrome is rare, so having an injectable epinephrine unit is not necessary.
Taking an antihistamine (tablet or syrup form) can relieve the symptoms faster if needed.
The food they are allergic to will not necessarily be the same as that of their family member.
Citrus Allergy In Infants
Food allergiesare more common in children and infants.
About 5% of children under the age of 5 have a food allergy.
Children who have eczema when they are very young are more likely to develop a food allergy.
However, 90% of food allergies are due to just eight foods.
These foods are:
Although possible, a citrus allergy is uncommon.
Diagnosis
An allergist will typically make a diagnosis of food allergy after conducting tests.
These are outlined below.
If testing a fruit like citrus, fresh fruit may be used.
The person having the test is then observed.
Blood Test
In some cases of possible food allergy, a blood test may be preferred.
An IgE (immunoglobulin E) blood test measures the number of specific antibodies in the blood.
If there are high levels, the body may overreact if exposed to those allergens.
This means reading food labels thoroughly when buying food or asking questions about food when dining out.
Medications
Antihistamines can be used to treat mild symptoms of allergy.
These work by blocking the effects of histamine in the body.
Histamine is what triggers the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Antihistamines are available over the counter at the pharmacy.
A healthcare provider will be able to advise what should and shouldn’t be consumed.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately.
Symptoms may include a rash, swelling, itching, nausea, and vomiting, among other symptoms.
A citrus allergy is not the same as an allergy to citric acid.
They may advise you to get tested to determine if you have allergies to citrus or other foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Allergies to grapefruit, orange, and mandarin have been reported.
However, a citrus allergy is considered rare.
Although food allergies are more common in children, they can develop at any time in life.
Those who had eczema in their early years are more likely to develop a food allergy.
While it is possible to be allergic to citrus fruits, an allergy to citric acid is unlikely.
There have been reports of a delayed inflammatory response from manufactured citric acid.
However, this is not the same as an allergy.
Having an allergy to citrus does not mean the same thing as having an allergy to citric acid.
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