Can You Be Allergic To Citrus?

Citrus fruits include citron, grapefruit, kumquats, limes, lemons, oranges and pomelos and their derivatives and hybrids. Although it isn't well-known to the general public, allergy to citrus fruit is a common food allergy as a 2008 study published in "Allergy" found. Fruit and vegetable allergies affect about 3 percent of adolescents according to Sydney Children's Hospital and are less common in young children. Family history increases the likelihood of developing any kind of allergy. Excessive exposure to a type of food among a population increases the likelihood of a food allergy reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Prolifins

Prolifins are proteins present in grass, tree and weed pollens. About a third of all pollen allergies are due to prolifin. Prolifins are also present in many fruits and vegetables and are a common cause of fruit or vegetable allergies.

Cross Reactivity

The proteins in some plant families are similar to common pollen allergens and can combine or cross react with common airborne pollen allergens. Allergies to oranges in the Australian population, for instance, occur most often in those allergic to grass pollen. Latex allergies can also be linked to fruit allergies according to the Sydney Children's Hospital. About 40 percent of people with latex allergy encounter symptoms after eating fruits of some kind. Kiwi fruit, although not a citrus fruit, is one of the most common fruit allergies: it causes about 10 percent of the food allergy reactions in school-age children.

Symptoms

Most food allergy reactions present as oral allergy syndrome. This involves itching, tingling and swelling of the lips, palate and tongue. Hives, abdominal pain and vomiting are more troublesome reactions. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction and involves constriction of the airways, swelling of the throat, increased pulse rate or a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, loss of consciousness and shock according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Almost half the people with food allergies also have asthma reports the AAFA. Food-induced asthma attacks are the most severe and life-threatening, but anaphylaxis is not a common food allergy reaction with fruits and vegetables in those without asthma reports Sydney Children's Hospital.

Should You Avoid Citrus?

Fruits and vegetables are a healthy part of the diet and an integral component for health and our immune systems. There is no evidence that avoiding fruits and vegetables early in life increases the risk of developing a citrus allergy and such early introduction may decrease the risk of developing asthma. Citrus allergy is more common in teenagers and young adults and cooking fruits and vegetables can help lessen the likelihood of an allergic reaction. Some food allergies are even triggered by exercise; Avoiding eating such foods immediately after exercise can lessen this reaction.

Citrus in Other Products

Cleaning products, perfumes and other products often contain citrus, and the AAFA warns that you should read labels to determine if citrus is used as a fragrance in the item.
A 2010 study published in "Dermatitis" reports that allergic contact dermatitis is rare but can occur. Most contact allergies to citrus involve d-limonene, found in the peel. The researchers reported that a bartender with an peanut allergy reacted severely to a lesser component in lime peel, a natural fragrance found in some products. A 2007 study published in "Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology" confirms a similar cross reaction in a person allergic to peanuts who used lemon soap made with citrus seeds.