Corn is used to make many commonly consumed products, including sweeteners such as dextrose, fructose, glucose, corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup. Corn ingredients also preserve and flavor foods with processed compounds such as citric acid and monosodium glutamate. Corn allergies can be attributed to a reaction to a protein in the corn. Allergy symptoms arise shortly after come people consume corn products. Because many everyday products contain corn, allergy patients may have trouble determining the source of their health woes.
Patients may need to keep a food diary to track down processed corn ingredients that trigger their corn allergies.
Itchy Mouth and Eyes
Corn allergies will release histamines into the bloodstream that cause tingling or itching sensations where allergens contacted the body. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) report that allergy symptoms caused by food will progress at the rate that allergens in the blood reach different areas of the body. Thus, itching may spread to the eyes and skin next. When unexplained itching begins in the lips, mouth, tongue or throat, patients should recall what they recently ate and check the ingredients.
Swollen Lips and Skin
Histamine-caused inflammation accompanies itching and may cause symptoms of swelling, redness and warmth. The oral area, eyes and other patches of skin may have bumps, puffiness or hives. The Mayo Clinic notes that an itchy rash can also develop through contact with corn syrup and related ingredients in soaps and skin care products. Swelling and hives can make patients' skin painful to the touch and susceptible to scratching and infection.
Headaches
Severe swelling in the face and eyelids may lead to headache pressure that persists until the effects of corn allergies fade. Individuals with a history of headache pain may experience histamine-induced migraines that may last for days, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Breathing Problems
As the NIH reports, allergy symptoms of wheezing and trouble breathing may arise when corn allergens reach the lungs. Swelling in the mouth and throat restrict the airways, causing painful swallowing and shortness of breath. These may indicate anaphylaxis, an allergic reaction that involves several bodily systems and disrupts normal metabolism.
Fainting
Patients who experience sudden weakness and racing pulse along with breathing problems should call 9-1-1 for paramedic help right away, advises the NIH. These signs of anaphylaxis may be followed by loss of consciousness and death.
Abdominal Problems
At any time during the digestive process, corn allergies may provoke nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The NIH notes that stomach pain and abdominal cramping may come and go, with symptoms continuing until digestion neutralizes or excretes the corn allergens.
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