Can You Be Allergic To Avocado?
Avocados are not considered a common food allergen but could cause an allergic reaction in some people. These allergic reactions can be quite strong.
There are two different forms of allergy: the first is an oral avocado allergy combined with tree-pollen allergy, and the second is known as the latex-fruit syndrome.
In this article, we will describe these allergies and how you can recognize them.
However, remember that if you even suspect that you might be allergic, you should talk to your physician or healthcare provider.
Table of Contents
Food Allergy Can Be Difficult
Being allergic to food means that you get an allergic response to something you have eaten or drunk.
The most common symptoms are skin rashes and an upset stomach and intestines, but the symptoms can vary greatly. Most problems usually disappear by avoiding what causes the allergy.
Food allergies can come in groups. Plant foods are grouped into various families, which share similar proteins.
If someone becomes allergic to a protein in one plant food, they may also react to similar proteins in related plant foods.
The Oral Avocado Allergy
The oral allergy ◳ triggers when you eat avocado. Your body treats the food as an invader, alerting your immune system.
The oral allergy is also associated with the allergy of tree pollen, like birch pollen. Birch pollen might cross-react with the avocado proteins. This cross-reactivity triggers allergic reactions in the body when avocados are consumed.
Symptoms of oral avocado allergy
Oral avocado allergy causes mild to severe allergic responses, including itching lips, mouth, and throat, usually within one hour of consuming or handling avocado.
The symptoms will progress rapidly and last from a few minutes to several hours. Depending upon how much avocado was consumed.
Oral allergy syndrome usually causes itching in the mouth area and doesn't lead to common food allergy symptoms. These symptoms may be prevented by cooking the fruit before consuming it.
What can I do if I accidentally eat avocado with an oral avocado allergy?
If your symptoms of avocado allergy are severe, you should rush for emergency medical attention without any delay.
In the case of mild oral avocado allergy is over-the-counter antihistamines an alternative that can help alleviate symptoms.
The Latex-Fruit Syndrome
The latex-fruit syndrome ◳ symptoms tend to be more severe than the oral avocado allergy.
The proteins found in avocados are similar to those in latex.
Symptoms of latex-fruit syndrome
Symptoms of latex-fruit syndrome can be skin rashes or hives, swollen lips, watery eyes, and a runny nose. But in more severe cases, avocado allergy can give abdominal pain, vomiting, sometimes even the life-threatening symptom, anaphylaxis.
People with the latex-fruit syndrome may also develop adverse reactions to
- Chestnut
- Banana
- Mango
- Kiwi
I advise you to be careful if you ever have reacted to avocado.
Talk to your health professional if you have any suspicions that you are sensitive to avocado.
What can I do if I accidentally eat avocado with latex-fruit syndrome?
If your symptoms of avocado allergy are severe, you should rush for emergency medical attention without any delay.
If you usually only get an upset stomach you can soothe these symptoms with the same over-the-counter products you use for other digestive upsets.
How To Diagnose Avocado Allergy?
If you suspect that you are allergic to avocado, you should talk to your physician, health provider, or allergist.
There are three different ways a physician can make a diagnosis. The first alternative is the one that sets the most correct diagnoses, but it's not the only method that is used.
The first alternative is when your physician injects avocado proteins into your skin. Then a sample of your blood will show whether or not your body reacts by creating special antibodies.
The second alternative your physician can use is the skin prick method to test for reactions to birch and latex. It can give you a better idea of whether or not you are reacting to avocados.
The third alternative is that your physician recommends you to try avocado at home. It means that you should eat a small amount of avocado and monitor for allergic reactions. Document them and show your physician.
If diagnosed with an allergy, you will need to eliminate all avocados from your diet.
What Can I Use Instead Of Avocado?
You can find several avocado substitutes that are safe and delicious.
Cooked chayote squash is a great alternative. It is frequently used by people with avocado allergies. It is particularly popular as a replacement for avocados in guacamole, as it has a similar texture and tastes lovely.
Pureed green peas also serve as a tasty alternative to avocado. When added to recipes in place of avocados, it can be tough to tell the difference since they have a mild flavor.
Conclusion
Managing an avocado allergy is all about prevention. The best way to avoid a reaction is to stay away from avocados altogether.
At home, most recipes can be prepared without the avocados and can still be delicious.
For instance, chayote squash is a great alternative to substitute avocados.
If you suspect that you are allergic to avocado, contact your physician at once. It's better to be safe than sorry.
