Citric acid is a natural preservative commonly found in foods, such as in winter squash. As with any chemical, you can develop an allergic reaction to the substance and may develop minor to severe symptoms after ingesting the chemical. Diagnosing a citric acid food allergy could be difficult because the ingredient is found in such a wide variety of foods, making it difficult to pinpoint. Keep a food journal for one to two weeks describing what you eat, how much of it you eat and how it affects your body. Share this food journal with your doctor to help diagnose your condition.
Food Allergies
Food allergies refer to any allergic reaction that occurs when you either eat or drink a food that contains an ingredient that triggers a hypersensitivity of the immune system. Most food allergies are caused by wheat, soy, eggs, dairy, fish, tree nuts and peanuts. Although squash is not considered a common food allergy, an allergy to citric acid may be triggered from eating the squash. Food allergies are most commonly found in young children and are outgrown by adulthood, but they can affect anyone at any age. There is no cure for food allergies aside from avoiding foods that trigger your reaction. Food allergies are most effectively diagnosed by an allergist.
Citric Acid Allergy
Citric acid is naturally in winter squash and is used in various packaged and prepared foods, especially foods that are sour in taste. The ingredient may be found in breaded products, desserts, deli meats, ice cream and candy. It is clearly stated in the ingredients on the product, making it easy to identify. If you're allergic to citric acid, your body reacts to the substance as if it poses a threat. If you're allergic to citric acid you will need to avoid foods that naturally contain the chemical, such as citrus fruits. The immune system overreacts to the citric acid by creating immunoglobulin E antibodies that attempt to fight off the substance. The introduction of immunoglobulin E antibodies into the blood stream triggers a chemical chain reaction that leads to most food allergy symptoms.
Symptoms
An allergic reaction to citric acid will cause a wide variety of symptoms to develop within minutes after you ingest the allergen. You may develop skin rashes, such as eczema or hives anywhere on your body. Allergic skin conditions will cause portions of your skin to become red, swollen and itchy and can spread from one part of the body to another. Other symptoms may include chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, sinus congestion, vomiting, stomach pain, abdominal cramping, diarrhea and nausea.
Warning
A citric acid food allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, an extreme allergic reaction that could cause death. Anaphylaxis signs and symptoms include throat swelling, the inability to breathe, a drop in blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, dizziness and hives. Call 911 if you develop these symptoms for emergency assistance.
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