Signs of citrus allergies usually begin shortly after eating lemons, limes, grapefruits or oranges. While some health symptoms resemble those of hay fever, the condition can progress to alter respiratory, digestive and cardiovascular system metabolism. People who develop allergy symptoms after eating citrus fruits will have to monitor their diets in order to avoid serious health problems.
Identification
People and manufacturers use citrus fruit products to flavor, balance and preserve foods and composed recipes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists citrus peel, citric acid, calcium citrate, potassium citrate and sodium citrate among common food additives. These derivatives also appear in some medications and personal care products. Individuals who show health symptoms after ingesting citrus fruit ingredients should consult a doctor for blood or skin allergy testing to positively identify citrus allergies.
Misconceptions
While children may outgrow an allergy, adults rarely do. Hoping that a sensitivity to citrus fruits will fade can have serious health consequences, including anaphylaxis, a total-body metabolic upset brought on by allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, AAFA, notes that normal allergy symptoms may be misconstrued as signs of food poisoning. While an isolated reaction that includes digestive problems may result from eating "bad" fruit, a second occurrence more likely indicates citrus allergies.
Function
When patients have allergic reactions to citrus products, their bodies produce antibodies, histamines and other chemicals that create physical effects. According to the National Institutes of Health, NIH, signs of citrus allergies usually show up within an hour of ingestion. Histamines cause itching and respiratory health symptoms as allergens move through the body. As digestion progresses, contact with citrus allergens causes gastrointestinal symptoms.
Features
Physical discomfort may begin with itching and swelling in the lip, mouth, tongue or throat areas. The NIH notes that some reactions are limited to these oral symptoms, while others involve the entire body. Inflammation can encompass the respiratory tract, causing shortness of breath.
In rare cases, breathing restriction interacts with a drop in blood pressure to produce anaphylactic shock, identified by dizziness, abnormal pulse and fainting. More commonly, allergic reactions produce nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
Prevention
A citrus allergy can be difficult to manage, due to the widespread use of citrates as food additives. A correct diagnosis and physician advice on potentially allergenic foods should help patients avoid contracting health symptoms. The AAFA reports that patients with confirmed allergies should keep an epinephrine "rescue" shot on hand, in order to prevent life-threatening anaphylactic symptoms if a reaction to citrus does occur.
