Handling or ingesting lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges can cause allergic reactions to citric acid. Consumers may also encounter citric acid and related compounds such as sodium citrate and calcium citrate in many common foods and drugs. Individuals who can eat oranges but not lemons may have intolerances rather than citrus allergies. Patients should pursue this distinction, because true allergies can result in serious health problems that include medical emergencies. Only an allergist can safely perform the testing that will confirm a diagnosis.
Mouth Itching
Histamines released in the body during reactions to citric acid produce physical sensations as they set off an inflammatory response. Many patients report itching allergy symptoms that locate in the lips, mouth, tongue, throat and face. Itching may spread to the eyes and skin as blood circulates the citrus allergens. MayoClinic.com also describes this sensation as tingling that arises shortly after eating citrus fruits or citrus food products.
Inflammation
Inflammation may remain internal, causing bumps in the mouth, or swelling in the throat. It may also create visible swelling, particularly around the lips, eyelids and facial areas, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Oral inflammation may make it difficult to swallow or breathe.
Hives
As the effects of citrus allergies spread throughout the body, patches of skin can inflame. The National Institutes of Health reports that eczema or hives are common skin allergy symptoms. Patients may experience redness and warmth due to inflammation, as well as itching and flaking of the irritated skin. Swelling in the form of raised bumps, or hives, may appear as painful rashes, as well.
Anaphylactic Shock
An adverse reaction to citric acid can also bring about rapidly developing anaphylactic allergy symptoms. Shortly after eating citrus foods, a patient's blood pressure may drop, creating a weak or racing pulse. MayoClinic.com warns that heart palpitations combined with shortness of breath and lightheadedness may indicate anaphylactic shock. This state of emergency can lead to respiratory and heart failure, and death.
Abdominal Pain
Digestive allergy symptoms may not occur for as long as two hours after eating citrus foods. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America explains that citrus allergies progress at the rate of digestion. Many factors, including how much food was consumed and combinations with other foods, can affect the rate of symptom onset. Patients may experience nausea, stomach pain, cramps, vomiting and diarrhea as the citrus compounds travel through the esophagus, stomach and intestines.
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