A banana allergy is an allergic reaction to a protein found in bananas.
This punch in of reaction commonly occurs withallergies to other food, or with an allergy to latex.
In Infants
Food allergies are more common in children and infants than in adults.
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Research suggests that the prevalence offood allergy in childrenunder age 3 is between 5% and 8%.
While an allergy to banana in infants is rare, there have been some reported cases in infants.
Risk Factors
An allergic reaction to food begins in the immune system.
But the exact cause of food allergy is unknown.
Researchers have identified some factors that make a person more at risk for developing a food allergy.
However, individual food allergies can differ among family members.
Other Conditions
Those with other allergic conditions are more likely to develop allergies to food.
This is because the proteins in latex and bananas are similar.
Latex is a naturally occurring product that comes from the rubber tree.
Latex is used in products like gloves and balloons.
Roughly 30%50% of people who have an allergy to latex may also experience allergies to fruits.
The most common of these are banana, chestnut, avocado, andkiwi.
Banana Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms of banana allergy can occur within seconds or minutes of banana being consumed.
Diagnosis
Allergies usually are diagnosed by an allergist or immunologist.
Diagnosing an allergy requires a careful history.
A healthcare provider will begin by taking a complete medical history, as well as conducting a physical exam.
These pricks are compared to positive and negative controls to assess for allergy and to insure test validity.
Either a blood or a skin test can be used to diagnose a food allergy.
Those with a food allergy should do all they can to avoid their allergens.
This involves being careful about reading food labels and asking questions about meals when eating out.
It is important to always carry an EpiPen to be prepared in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.
Fruit drinks and fruit salads may contain bananas and should be consumed with caution.
It may also be present in shampoo or body lotion.
Just always be sure to check the label in case banana is an unexpected ingredient.
They will be able to arrange for testing.
Risk factors for a banana allergy include having a family history of allergy or already having allergic conditions.
A Word From Verywell
Dealing with allergies can be distressing.
But an allergy to bananas is very unlikely.
Frequently Asked Questions
An allergy to bananas is believed to be rare.
Research suggests less than 1% of the population has an allergy to bananas.
Food allergies usually appear for the first time in children and infants.
However, an allergy can occur at any time in life, including as an adult.
Allergies can be hereditary, meaning they can be passed down through genes in a family.
This is because there is a similarity between the proteins found in latex and bananas.
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.Starting solid foods.
Kids With Food Allergies.Food allergies and cross-reactivity.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.Food allergy.
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.Food allergy.
Better Health Channel.Latex allergy.
