People with allergies can experience adverse reactions to citric acid when they ingest certain fruits or other foods, beverages and medications. Many prepared foods and drugs contain citric acid or citrus compounds such as calcium sulfate, potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate. Individuals who suspect they may have citrus allergies should carefully read ingredient labeling. Reporting allergy symptoms that arise following exposure to citrus products in the diet will help physicians pinpoint the cause of allergic illnesses.
Function
Citrus allergies cause body changes and health effects that pass rapidly but will recur over a lifetime, in most cases. When allergic individuals eat foods that contain citric acid, such as orange, grapefruit, lemon or lime, or ingredients made from these foods, their immune systems erroneously react by dispersing histamines and antibodies into the bloodstream to neutralize the allergens. According to the University of Maryland (UM) Medical Center, the histamines alter body metabolism in acting against these normally harmless invaders, producing inflammatory allergy symptoms.
Effects
The severity and extent of citric acid allergy symptoms varies among individuals. Some allergy patients may have only mild itching or swelling in the mouth area or runny or stuffy noses. MayoClinic.com notes that, in rare cases, these benign symptoms can quickly escalate to serious anaphylactic health effects, which alter crucial respiratory and heart functions. Alternatively, digestive distress may begin, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.
Identification
The UM Medical Center describes oral allergy symptoms as irritation of the lips, tongue, lining of the mouth and throat, and notes that these mild health effects arise immediately after ingesting citric acid. Patients should call 9-1-1 for emergency help, however, if they notice sudden signs of anaphylaxis, such as shortness of breath, racing pulse and dizziness. Moderate respiratory and digestive tract responses to citrus allergies will develop more gradually and persist until the problem substances pass through the system.
Warning
People who experience allergy symptoms for the first time may not recognize citrus allergy as a potentially lethal condition. Whether or not anaphylactic reactions occur initially, they can arise the next time or any time a person ingests citric acid. The National Institutes of Health suggest getting medical advice or monitoring when allergies develop, because anaphylaxis can swiftly create breathing obstruction, respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
Prevention
While the symptoms of food allergies may pass quickly, the UM Medical Center points out that these conditions can only be managed, not cured. Doctors can help patients identify fruits and food products that contain citric acid. Eating even a tiny amount of allergenic food can cause a reaction. Preventing adverse health effects will depend upon patients' awareness and avoidance of problem citrus foods.
Member Comments