A food allergy, including corn, can cause swelling anywhere in the body because of increased histamine production. Although corn is not considered one of the top foods to cause an allergic reaction, there has been a steady increase of corn allergy diagnosis, according to AllergicChild.com. The most common foods that cause an allergic reaction include wheat, milk, soy, eggs, peanuts, fish and tree nuts. If you have reason to believe that you've become allergic to a certain food, call your doctor.
Food Allergy Information
If you're allergic to a specific food, such as corn, your immune system accidentally identifies the proteins in the corn as a dangerous substance, although they are safe for human consumption. The body reacts as if it was under attack by creating antibodies, disease-fighting agents that work to fight off the proteins, according to MayoClinic.com. The release of these antibodies causes mast cells to produce histamine. Histamine is a chemical that causes soft tissues to become inflamed, such as the skin, the sinuses and the lungs.
Eye Swelling
Eye swelling is commonly related to airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust and mold, but can occur from an allergic reaction. The increased levels of histamine in and around the face can lead to puffy eyes that swell and can become discolored. This condition is referred to as "allergic shiners." Eye swelling is treated with an oral antihistamine and avoiding the foods that are causing the allergic reaction.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is commonly refereed to as "pink eye," and causes eye swelling, redness and watering, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Allergic conjunctivitis is severe irritation in the eye as a result of an allergic reaction, such as a reaction to corn and other food allergies. The most effective way to treat this condition is to remove the allergen, place a cool washcloth over your eyes and use lubricating eye drops. This condition is not contagious and will not harm your eye. AllAllergy.net states that a corn allergy may cause allergic conjunctivitis.
Pain
Pain commonly occurs in the abdomen, sinuses and chest. MayoClinic.com states that symptoms from a food allergy typically affect these areas of the body. Abdominal pain is also associated with nausea, cramping, diarrhea and vomiting. If you develop sinus congestion, you can develop a sinus headache that can cause excessive pressure and facial tenderness. If histamine is produced in your lungs, your airways will swell, causing chest pain, tightness, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing and coughing.
Complications
If you experience severe pain in your head, stomach or chest after eating a food that you're allergic to, such as corn, you should call your doctor. Anaphylaxis is a common complication associated with food allergies. It is a severe allergic reaction that affects the entire body, causing a state of shock. Other anaphylaxis symptoms to be aware of include hives, shortness of breath, bluish-colored skin and feeling dizzy.
