A sore tongue seems like an odd reaction to eating pineapple, but various allergy conditions can lead to this symptom. Although eating highly acidic fruits like pineapple can lead to a gritty feeling on your tongue, soreness may be a sign of an allergy. About 2 percent of the adult American population suffers from a food allergy, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Aside from pineapples being a common food allergy, other conditions, such as oral allergy syndrome and allergic contact dermatitis, can cause itching and soreness of the tongue. Write down the various symptoms you develop from eating pineapple and report them to your doctor. Until then, avoid eating it.
Cross-Reactivity
The soreness of your tongue may be related to hay fever, a seasonal allergic reaction to pollen and mold spores. You may notice tongue soreness is more common during hay fever season, the spring and summer months. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, if your immune system confuses the proteins in pineapple for pollen, the mast cells in your mouth and tongue may release histamine, which will cause the tongue to become itchy, sensitive and sore. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network states that eating cooked pineapple may reduce your symptoms.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is a skin rash that develops from direct contact to certain substances. Unlike a food allergy or oral allergy syndrome, this reaction only occurs in the areas of the body that come in direct contact with pineapple. The rash will form within minutes of ingesting the pineapple and will likely affect your lips, mouth, tongue and throat. Allergic contact dermatitis will cause small bumps to develop that are very itchy and may cause soreness and pain.
Food Allergy
If your tongue is sore after eating pineapple and you develop other symptoms, you are most likely experiencing a food allergy. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that pineapple is one of the most common food allergens that can trigger itching in your mouth, a runny nose, sinus congestion, asthma, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting and nausea. If you notice facial swelling, become lightheaded, or notice your heart rate increasing, call your doctor immediately. These symptoms may be related to a severe allergic reaction.
Treatment
Aside from completely avoiding pineapple, antihistamines are commonly used to prevent and treat allergic reactions. Antihistamines are drugs that prevent your body from producing histamine and will cause your symptoms to subside. Severe allergic reactions may not respond to antihistamines. If you believe you're experiencing a severe allergic reaction, call 911 immediately.
