If you suddenly develop allergy symptoms to rhubarb when you've consumed the vegetable before, you may have another condition. Most food allergies develop in early childhood and typically do not develop later in life. While it's possible to have an allergic reaction to rhubarb, other considerations, such as rhubarb leaf poisoning and food intolerances, need to be discussed with your doctor.
Rhubarb Allergy
If you have a rhubarb allergy, you will most likely develop symptoms the first time you ingest the vegetable. A genuine rhubarb allergy will cause your immune system to overreact because of hypersensitivity to the proteins in the food. The immune system mistakes the plant's proteins as a dangerous substance, when in fact they are safe for human consumption. Immunoglobulin E antibodies, also called IgE antibodies, are released by the immune system to protect the body, according to MayoClinic.com. As a result of these disease-fighting agents, white blood cells release histamine to guard against infection.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms may vary between each individual and can have mild to severe reactions. Your skin may be affected, causing the development of hives, eczema and general skin itching. Your skin may also become red and inflamed anywhere on your body. The respiratory system may become inflamed, causing shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, coughing and nasal congestion. Common symptoms affecting the digestive system include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, stomach pain and bloating. Other symptoms that may develop include facial or throat swelling, lightheadedness and an increase in your heart rate, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Rhubarb Leaf Poisoning
If you have consumed rhubarb before without any adverse reactions, you may have accidentally ingested leaves from the plant. While the vegetable itself is safe for consumption, the leaves of the plant are poisonous when consumed. Symptoms of poisoning form eating rhubarb leaves are similar to allergy symptoms and may include burning in the throat or mouth, trouble breathing, diarrhea, eye pain, nausea, red-colored urine, coma, kidney stones, stomach pain and vomiting. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that if you suspect you've ingested rhubarb leaves, call 911 or poison control.
Food Intolerance
Another condition that is confused with a food allergy is food intolerance. You can develop intolerance to any food, according to CBS's "The Early Show," which can cause similar symptoms to a food allergy. Most food intolerance symptoms affect the digestive system, such as nausea, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Food intolerance is different from a food allergy because it is a malfunction of the digestive system, not an overreaction of the immune system.
