If your body responds to a particular food by launching an abnormal immune system response, you are one of the many individuals affected by food allergies. Apple allergies are rare, and most people with apple allergies are able to drink apple juice without a reaction. Food allergies should always be diagnosed by a doctor. Contact your health care provider to determine whether your symptoms are due to a food allergy or other condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may worsen over time with repeated exposures to the triggering substance. Common signs of food allergy include swelling in the mouth, itching and skin lesions such as hives or eczema. Some people experience gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain. A severe allergic reaction may cause you to have difficulty breathing due to constriction of the throat and airways. This may be accompanied by a drop in blood pressure. Seek emergency medical attention or call 911 if you have trouble breathing.
Cross Reactions
People with apple allergies often cross-react to plants, fruit and vegetables in the birch pollen family. This may occur because the chemical structures of the allergens are similar. It is common for people with apple allergies to also experience allergic reactions to cherry, pear, carrot, peanut, celery, soybean and hazelnut. Many patients with apple allergy also have seasonal hay fever and allergic asthma.
Treatment and Prevention
If you experience a severe allergic reaction to apple juice or related substances, you may need an epinephrine injection to relax and open your airways. Your doctor may recommend that you carry injectable medication to treat any future allergic reactions. You can help prevent exposures by reading ingredient labels carefully and washing your hands if you come into contact with apples or apple juice.
Alternative Diagnoses
People with apple allergies usually react only to the raw fruit. Cooking the apples should destroy the allergen, and most individuals do not react to apple juice, applesauce or other prepared forms of apple. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor to determine whether you have a true allergy. Apple juice also contains high levels of fructose, and your reaction may actually be a fructose intolerance. This condition may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea.
References
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology: Birch Pollen Allergy May Forewarn of Allergy to Apples and Hazelnuts; January 2011
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Food Allergy; December 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Fructose Intolerance; Katherine Zeratsky; March 2011
- Allergy/Asthma Information Association; Oral Allergy Syndrome; Dr. Anthony Ham Pong; June 2000
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