If you enjoy strawberry-rhubarb pie and have a garden, you may grow your own rhubarb. The stems, which are the edible part of this vegetable, are used in a variety of recipes, including pies, breads, salsas and jams. Different species of rhubarb are also available as an herbal remedy used to treat high cholesterol and gingivitis. As with any plant food, it's possible to develop an allergic reaction to rhubarb. An allergy to rhubarb can be caused by ingesting the edible parts or by touching its leaves with your hands. Consult your physician immediately if you develop any type of an allergic reaction to rhubarb.
Rhubarb Food Allergy
Although rare, it is possible to experience an allergic reaction to the edible stem of the rhubarb plant. A food allergy triggers an exaggerated response from your immune system. Your body recognizes rhubarb as a harmful substance and produces specific antibodies to protect against it. The antibodies signal your immune system to release an enormous amount of histamine into your system, producing an allergic reaction. Symptoms of a food allergy include itching and swelling of your mouth, tingling of your lips, swelling of your throat, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Consult your doctor for advice if you experience an allergic reaction after eating rhubarb.
Contact Allergy To Rhubarb
Wear gloves when harvesting rhubarb from your garden. You can develop an allergic reaction called contact dermatitis when your skin comes in contact with the leaves. Rhubarb leaves contain a high concentration of oxalic acid which can cause an allergic reaction on your skin. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, the symptoms of a contact allergy on your skin can take 24 to 48 hours after exposure to develop and last for 14 to 28 days. Symptoms include redness, itching, localized swelling, hives and small, fluid-filled blisters.
Anaphylactic Reaction
A severe allergy to rhubarb can cause an anaphylactic reaction, an allergic reaction which occurs suddenly and can be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention from a physician. The symptoms of anaphylaxis often start out mild, but rapidly worsen. Initial symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as nausea and diarrhea, quickly advance to swelling of your throat which makes breathing difficult and causes wheezing, tightness in your chest, rapid or abnormal heartbeat, confusion, shock and, in some cases, heart attack and death. Anaphylaxis requires a call to 911 and immediate medical attention.
Rhubarb Allergy Treatment
There is no cure for a food allergy, so avoid eating rhubarb if you know you are allergic to it. The first line of treatment for a rhubarb allergy is to address the symptoms as they occur. If you suffer a severe reaction, seek medical attention immediately. Treat lesser symptoms affecting your skin or mild reactions to eating rhubarb with over-the-counter topical creams and oral antihistamine solutions. If you have any doubt about which food causes your symptoms, undergo allergy testing performed by your dermatologist.
References
- Wellness.com: Rhubarb
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: What is an Allergic Reaction to Food?
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Allergic Skin Conditions: Tips to Remember
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Anaphylaxis; Steven D. Ehrlich; August 30, 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Food Allergy Treatment and Drugs; February 11, 2011
