An allergy to flax seed is considered uncommon, but it can cause significant symptoms. Flax seeds taste nutty but the reaction is unrelated to a nut allergy, according to the FlaxSees.ws website. Someone with a flax seed allergy should avoid ingesting or coming into direct contact with flax by-products, such as flax oil or flax meal. If you experience allergy-type symptoms after touching or ingesting flax seeds, make an appointment with an allergist.
About Food Allergies
The most common food allergies are related to fish, dairy, eggs and various types of nuts, according to MayoClinic.com. Someone with a flax allergy has a malfunction of the immune system to the proteins found in flax seeds. The immune system mistakes the flax as a harmful substance and develops IgE antibodies that fight against it. The IgE antibodies cause mast cells throughout the body to produce histamine. Histamine in turn causes irritation and inflammation, leading to common allergy symptoms.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of an allergy to flax are rashes, shortness of breath and itching, according to TargetWoman.com. Common rashes associated with a flax allergy are hives and eczema. Hives typically develop within minutes after ingesting flax, causing welts to develop on the skin. Contact eczema may develop if the patient touches flax products directly to the skin. Shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing are all common symptoms of an asthmatic attack from a flax allergy.
Treatment
A flax allergy is not curable. The only way to prevent an allergic reaction from flax is to avoid consuming and touching it, according to MayoClinic.com. Skin rashes can be treated with hydrocortisone cream and moisturizers. Other minor allergy symptoms may be treated with an over-the-counter antihistamine. Asthmatic reactions are treated with prescribed inhalers that reduce inflammation and open the lungs for normal breathing.
Complications
The most common complication from a flax allergy is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a rare and extreme allergic reaction to flax products. During anaphylactic shock, the body releases deadly amounts of histamine that send the body into a state of shock, according to MedlinePlus. Someone experiencing anaphylactic shock will show signs of distress, such as anxiety, confusion, fainting and being unable to breathe. This condition is treated with an injection of epinephrine. Call 911 if these symptoms develop after eating flax products.
Consideration
Some isolated symptoms, such as gastrointestinal issues, may be related to flax seed intolerance. Flax intolerance is a result of the body's inability to properly process flax seeds. Talk with a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
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