Garlic is one of the most common spices used in Italian cuisine, but for some, eating garlic can cause a wide array of adverse reactions. Although garlic is not considered a common food allergen, any food can cause an allergic reaction in your body. If you develop symptoms of an allergy after eating foods that contain garlic, talk with an allergist to receive a clinical diagnosis. In order to receive a positive diagnosis for a garlic allergy, your allergist will perform tests that will identify whether or not your body produces immunoglobulin E antibodies.
Garlic Allergy
A garlic allergy is rare but possible if your body accidentally identifies the proteins in garlic as dangerous. Garlic is safe for human consumption, but if you're allergic to the substance, your immune system mistakenly reacts to it as if it's unsafe. This causes the body to react with the production of various chemicals. The two most predominant chemicals are immunoglobulin E antibodies and histamine. IgE antibodies are allergy-specific antibodies that attack the garlic in an attempt to rid it from the body, according to MayoClinic.com. Histamine is a chemical released in soft tissue that leads to inflammation.
Minor Symptoms
All food allergies can cause reactions that range from minor to severe. If you have an allergy to garlic, after eating it you may develop minor inflammation in different parts of your body. Inflammation in your sinuses will cause congestion, postnasal drip and sinus headaches. If your lungs become inflamed, you will experience chest tightness, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Your skin can become inflamed, itchy and red, which may lead to hives, eczema and other skin rashes. Digestive inflammation will cause diarrhea, cramping and stomach pain.
Severe Symptoms
Severe symptoms are the result of anaphylaxis, an extreme allergic reaction that affects the entire body. During anaphylaxis, your body experiences a state of shock and can lead to death if not promptly treated. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to garlic includes the inability to breathe; hives; facial, tongue or lip swelling; a metallic taste in your mouth; severe chest pain; severe stomach pain; lightheadedness; and dizziness. Call 911 immediately if you develop these symptoms.
Testing
Because garlic is found in so many foods, your allergist will perform a blood test to determine whether or not your immune system produces IgE antibodies. A sample of your blood is taken and sent to a lab where garlic is introduced into the blood sample. If your blood creates IgE antibodies, you will be diagnosed with a garlic allergy and required to eliminate all garlic from your diet.
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