An allergic reaction to flaxseed is uncommon, but possible. 90 percent of all food allergies are related to milk, eggs, soy, fish, tree nuts, peanuts and wheat, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some reactions from eating flaxseed are common side effects and are unrelated to an allergic reaction. If you develop unpleasant symptoms after ingesting flaxseed, you should call your doctor for an evaluation, diagnosis and treatment options.
Allergic Reactions
An allergic reaction to flaxseed is a mistake of the immune system. Although the proteins in flaxseed are safe for consumption, your body identifies them as a dangerous substance and begins to defend itself, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The immune system reacts by creates chemical compounds called antibodies that are typically created to fight off illness and disease. An allergic reaction causes immunoglobulin E, or IgE antibodies to form, which cause mast cells to produce histamine. Histamine is the main chemical during an allergic reaction that causes the symptoms.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of a flaxseed allergy vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that common symptoms include lightheadedness, fainting, wheezing, trouble breathing, dizziness, hives, swelling, eczema, itching, a metallic taste in the mouth, facial swelling, tingling, swelling in the throat, difficulty breathing, a rapid pulse or blue-colored skin and nails. Most symptoms will develop within a few minutes after eating flaxseed, but could take up to an hour.
Anaphylactic Symptoms
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction. Drugs.com warns that eating flaxseed can cause anaphylaxis symptoms, including tightness in the chest, itching, hives, rash, swelling in the face, lips or tongue and discoloration of the skin. During anaphylaxis, your body experiences a state of shock where your blood pressure drops, your heart rate increases and you may not be able to breathe. The most effective treatment for this condition is an injection of epinephrine, a drug that imitates adrenalin. Even if you find relief from epinephrine, you need to seek out emergency medical attention as your symptoms may return.
Treatment
Avoid eating flaxseed if you're diagnosed with an allergy. Avoidance is the most effective way to treat the condition because it is incurable. Minor symptoms may be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines that work by blocking mast cells from creating histamine. Skin rashes may be treated with hydrocortisone.
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