What Happens When You Have An Allergic Reaction To Strawberries?

Allergies to fruit and vegetables, including strawberries, are relatively common. They can develop at any age and usually last for life. Your body overreacts to a protein called profilin, which is found in strawberries, birch pollen and other fruit. This causes symptoms such as an itchy mouth and throat and swelling of the lips. In rare cases, you may have a more serious reaction called anaphylaxis that requires immediate medical attention.

Causes

When you eat strawberries, your immune system produces Immunoglobulin E, or IgE, an antibody and histamine. In some cases, your body's reaction is caused by an intolerance to salicylates, which are naturally occurring chemicals found in strawberries and other plants. These are also found in health and beauty products and medicines such as aspirin. Some people develop an allergy after repeated exposure to the fruit. You are also more likely to develop one if someone in your family is allergic.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually occur within 2 hours of eating or touch the fruit. They include hives, eczema, nausea, stomach cramps, and swelling of the lips, throat and other parts of the body. You may experience wheezing, shortness of breath or dizziness or have a metallic taste in your mouth. Symptoms of a salicylate allergy include asthma-like symptoms, stomach pain, headaches and skin rashes. If you have a severe anaphylactic reaction, your throat swells, making breathing difficult. Your blood pressure may drop and you can lose consciousness. You need immediate treatment with epinephrine and should go straight to the emergency room.

Tests and Diagnosis

If you think you have a strawberry allergy, talk to your doctor. Describe your symptoms and be prepared to keep a food diary to identify problem foods. You may be asked to take a skin or blood test. In a skin test, your skin is pricked to allow a tiny amount of allergen below the surface. If you're allergic, a rash will develop. In a blood test, a sample is tested for antibodies, your body's reaction to an allergy.

Treatment

Your doctor can recommend or prescribe antihistamines to relieve itching, swelling and headaches. Skin creams, such as hydrocortisone cream, can treat rashes and eczema. If you have more serious symptoms, your doctor will prescribe an epinephrine injector, such as an EpiPen, which you use to inject medicine into your thigh in case of a reaction. Carry it with you at all times and make sure your family and friends know how to use it.

Prevention

The best way to prevent a reaction is to avoid eating strawberries, or any products containing them. Check labels carefully and ask detailed questions when you are eating out. According to researchers at Lund University, Sweden, people with an allergy can eat white strawberries without a reaction.