People who experience allergic reactions to citrus fruits may also show allergy symptoms after ingesting products that contain citric acid. Many foods, beverage, drug and skin care products contain citrus extracts, oils, or citric acid preservatives such as sodium citrate and potassium citrate. Patients may confuse true citrus allergies with intolerances, or the inability to digest the acids in limes, lemons, oranges and grapefruits. Symptoms of food allergies and food intolerance may mirror each other, making a medical diagnosis an important step in managing chronic health problems related to citrus.
Itching and Swelling
The body's inflammatory response to citrus allergens precipitates itching and swelling soon after ingesting citrus fruits or citric acid ingredients in foods or drugs. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports common citrus allergy symptoms of itching and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, eyes, eyelids and other skin areas. Swollen skin may also form a rash or hives, and swollen airways may cause breathing trouble. Patients who experience various degrees of symptoms based on the amount or type of citrus ingested may have intolerance instead of citrus allergies. Lemons and limes, for instance, have greater concentrations of citric acid than oranges and grapefruits. True allergic reactions will occur no matter how much or how little patients consume of citrus allergens.
Gastrointestinal Problems
It may take an hour or two for digestive allergy symptoms to arise, perhaps beginning with nausea. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), allergic reactions to citric acid may cause stomach pain or cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Patients may also develop intestinal cramping and gas.
These signs of citrus allergies may surprise patients who have encountered citrus allergens in prescription or over-the-counter medications or dietary supplements. Avoiding citric acid derivatives is the best protection against allergic responses. Allergists can point out which products might contain citrus ingredients, and they can determine whether patients need food intolerance or allergy treatments.
Anaphylactic Symptoms
Citrus allergies cause very strong attacks in some individuals, including children. While the gastrointestinal effects of allergic reactions may arise slowly, in accord with the digestive cycle, anaphylactic allergy symptoms usually begin shortly after citrus ingestion. The AAFA notes that anaphylaxis begins with a sharp decrease in blood pressure. This combines with developing respiratory symptoms brought on by swelling of the mouth and airways to create a metabolic imbalance. Abnormal pulse, wheezing, breathing trouble and lightheadedness may precede a loss of consciousness. This state of emergency requires immediate medical treatment to prevent respiratory and cardiac arrest, and death.
