Shallots are members of the onion family and are similar to green onions or chives. A shallot looks like an elongated onion, and when peeled, the shallot separates into cloves like garlic. If you have an allergy to shallots, you may or may not react to other types of onions, such as scallions. If your shallot allergy is severe, you may need to avoid all types of cooked and raw onions. Onions are prevalent in sauces, soups, spice mixtures and other foods.
Anaphylaxis
A rare condition may occur during a severe allergic reaction to shallots. This life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis causes panic and difficulty breathing. If you experience dizziness or swelling of the throat, seek immediate medical help.
Symptoms
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, symptoms from a food allergy can appear within a few minutes or several hours after eating the allergen. Food allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including rash, redness, tingling or itching in the mouth or swelling of the face, tongue or lips. A severe allergic reaction may also include vomiting and diarrhea as well as abdominal cramping.
Immune System
A reaction to a food involves two aspects of the immune system. One component is an allergy antibody called immunoglobulin E, which circulates through the blood. The other is the mast cell, which stores up histamine. When histamine is released, it is your body's way of trying to rid itself of the allergen in the body. Histamine often produces watery, itchy eyes and a runny nose.
Food Intolerance
A food intolerance to shallots is much more common than a full blown allergy. Intolerance usually causes gastrointestinal problems such as bloating or gas, but food allergies usually cause additional symptoms. An intolerance usually will not produce symptoms such as cough, runny nose and itchy red eyes, but an allergy will, according to the Mayo Clinic. An allergist can perform a simple skin test to determine if you have an intolerance or an allergy.
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