Doctors practicing complimentary medicine might prescribe bee pollen for various ailments. Bee pollen is purported to help with strength and stamina, alcoholism, allergies, cancer prevention and appetite, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. There is very little data to support the medicinal uses of bee pollen, the cancer center continues to explain. People with allergies to bee stings, honey, ragweed or chrysanthemums should avoid supplementing with bee pollen because they are likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Itchy Skin
People allergic to bee pollen might develop itchy skin, also known as pruritus. Pruritus creates an unpleasant, intractable urge to scratch. The itching can be so severe, it can be incapacitating, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Pruritus can also lead to a rash. To stop the itchy skin, you need to stop taking the bee pollen supplement.
Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis
This is another possible symptom of a bee pollen allergy, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract caused by an infiltration of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. Additional symptoms of eosinophilic gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
A case study published in the "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology" in 1989 by F.L. Lin involved a patient taking bee pollen. After six weeks, the patient developed hypereosinohphilia with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. The patient's symptoms disappeared after the bee pollen was discontinued.
Anaphylaxis
This is a severe and dangerous allergic reaction and another potential allergic symptom of bee pollen. Anaphylaxis occurs immediately and requires a trip to the emergency room, says the Mayo Clinic. Additional symptoms of anaphylaxis include hives, narrowing of the airways, a weak and rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness or fainting.
A case study presented in 2001 in the "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology" by P.A. Greenburger describes how a patient developed non-life threatening anaphylaxis after the first dose of bee pollen. The patient had a history of immunotherapy for rhinitis allergy symptoms but still had an allergic reaction with ingestion of the bee pollen.
References
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Bee Pollen
- Cleveland Clinic: Pruritus
- American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders: About EGID
- "The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology"; Hypereosinophilia, Neurologic, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms After Bee-Pollen Ingestion; F.L. Lin; 1989
- MayoClinic.com: Anaphylaxis
