Corn allergies hold wide-ranging consequences for patients because many food products contain corn starch and corn sweeteners. In addition to getting allergic reactions from eating corn on the cob, patients may feel ill after ingesting foods that contain high-fructose corn syrup or using skin care products that contain corn ingredient additives. Corn allergy symptoms usually arise and pass within a few hours without lingering effects. In rare instances, however, anaphylactic reactions can cause patients to lose consciousness and organ function.
Identification
Linking allergy symptoms to corn may require that patients interpret the contents of food and personal care products correctly. MedlinePlus reports that many sweeteners are derived from corn. If health problems begin shortly after ingestion or contact with items that contain glucose, fructose, dextrose, corn syrup or corn sweetener, patients may have corn allergies. Doctors can determine whether allergic reactions or grain intolerances are causing health problems.
Function
In an allergic reaction to corn, the immune system mistakes corn proteins for bacterial invaders. As the Mayo Clinic explains, allergy symptoms arise as side effects of the body's release of histamines meant to halt the nonexistent infection. This immune system response will occur whenever antibodies it has formed encounter the corn protein, whether in its original state or processed into sweeteners or other food or cosmetics additives. Avoiding all consumption of corn is the only way to prevent health problems from corn allergies.
Features
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases notes that corn allergy symptoms unfold at the rate of allergen ingestion and its spread through the body via the bloodstream. This natural progression may be interrupted at any time by anaphylaxis, a swiftly developing set of symptoms that can create life-threatening shock.
Effects
Patients who use skin care products that contain corn ingredients may experience a gradual onset of skin symptoms that include an itchy, red rash. NIAID reports that soon after eating corn, patients may feel itching in the mouth. These inflammatory signs may progress to swelling, which can cause painful hives or trouble swallowing. Digestive symptoms may begin with nausea and stomach pain and include intestinal cramping, vomiting and diarrhea. These effects fade as the allergens pass from the body.
Warning
Respiratory inflammation may combine with a sudden drop in blood pressure to create an anaphylactic allergic reaction at any time after consuming corn products, MedlinePlus points out. Abnormal pulse or difficulty breathing should prompt an emergency call for help to 911. Trouble breathing, weakness and light-headedness can swiftly escalate to loss of consciousness and respiratory arrest. Attempting to reintroduce corn into the diet puts patients at risk for these potentially fatal health effects of corn allergies.
