Eating pomegranate does not cause shortness of breath in healthy adults. If you experience shortness of breath after eating or drinking pomegranates, you need to stop consuming pomegranate products and seek medical attention. Shortness of breath is a common sign of a food allergy and needs to be evaluated by your doctor. If you develop any other symptoms aside from shortness of breath, report those to your doctor as well even if you think they're minor. In rare cases a pomegranate allergy can lead to anaphylactic shock, a rare life-threatening allergic reaction.
Pomegranate Allergy
If you have a pomegranate allergy, you will develop common food allergy symptoms within a few minutes after eating or drinking pomegranate. If you're allergic to the exotic fruit, your body mistakes the substance as dangerous and attempts to fight it off by creating specific antibodies. Your immune system protects your body from harmful substances, such as viruses and toxins, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. During a pomegranate allergy, your immune system reacts to the proteins in the fruit as if they were harmful. This triggers multiple chemicals throughout your body, causing symptoms, such as shortness of breath.
Shortness of Breath
If you become short of breath after consuming pomegranate, it is most likely the result of inflammation in the lungs that restricts your normal ability to breathe normally. One of the chemicals the body produces is called histamine. Histamine causes swelling, irritation and inflammation in soft tissue throughout the body. When histamine levels increase in your lungs, they swell and cause your airways to constrict. You may also develop wheezing, coughing and chest pain. During a severe allergic reaction you may feel a bump in your throat or complete closure, according to MayoClinic.com. If you experience this symptom, call 911 immediately.
When to Call a Doctor
Shortness of breath is a serious medical condition that needs to be assessed by your doctor. You should call your doctor or 911 if you develop hives, facial swelling, shallow breathing, a rapid heart rate, dizziness, lightheadedness and pallor, according to MayoClinic.com. If you are diagnosed with a pomegranate allergy, you should avoid consuming products that contain this fruit. Talk with your doctor about carrying an epinephrine pen on you in case of an emergency. This medical device is used to treat anaphylaxis.
Consideration
If you're allergic to pomegranate you will develop other symptoms aside from just shortness of breath. Other common symptoms of a food allergy include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, rashes, eczema, hives, sinus congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip and sneezing. Pregnant women and people with asthma and blood pressure disorders are advised to avoid pomegranate.
