If fruit makes your throat swell, you need to see a doctor immediately because you may be experiencing a severe allergic reaction. Although fruit is not a common food allergy, you may be allergic to one or more types of fruits. Throat swelling is an alarming symptom, because it can cut off your ability to breathe normally. It could even be fatal. Keep a journal of what fruits you eat and how they affect your body. You may be experiencing a less troublesome condition, oral allergy syndrome. Talk with your doctor for a diagnosis.
Food Allergy
Throat swelling after you eat any food is most likely an allergic reaction. With a food allergy, your immune system reacts to certain foods as if they are dangerous, although they're harmless. For example, if you eat an orange and your immune system mistakes it for a harmful substance, your body will defend itself by creating immunoglobulin E, or IgE, antibodies. Antibodies help to protect your body from infection, but if you have a food allergy, they cause inflammation and swelling in different parts of your body.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
Oral allergy syndrome is an allergic condition that triggers minor mouth and throat irritation and swelling after eating fresh fruits and vegetables. This condition is caused by the immune system confusing the proteins found in specific fruits for a tree, weed or grass pollen, according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. For example, if you're allergic to birch pollen, your throat may swell after you eat peaches, apples, pears, kiwi, prunes, plums, cherries or apricots. You may notice that your symptoms are worse during pollen allergy season.
Anaphylaxis Concern
Throat swelling is one of the primary symptoms related to anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction commonly related to food allergies. Excessive amounts of chemicals enter the body suddenly, sending your body into a state of shock. You may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure, the inability to breathe, facial swelling and hives within minutes after eating a certain fruit. This condition requires an injection of epinephrine immediately. If you have a severe allergic reaction, call 911 or have someone take you to the emergency room immediately.
Treatment
After a diagnosis from your doctor, she may recommend that you avoid any fruit that causes an allergic reaction. Minor throat irritation and swelling may be treated with an oral antihistamine. Talk with your doctor before using any medication.
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