Your body can respond to the proteins in certain foods the same way it responds to a virus or bacteria, by attacking. Causes are unknown, but similar to allergies from pollen or pet dander, food allergies can trigger reactions such as itchiness, hives, nasal congestion or asthma. Food allergies often prompt itching in the mouth and other areas of your body, including your ears. Your doctor can help determine an allergy, and recommend treatment options.
Allergies vs. Intolerance
True food allergies are rare; food intolerances are more common. During an allergic reaction, your immune system sends white blood cells to attack the invading pathogen, and synthesizes and allergy-producing substance called immunoglobulin E. Histamine is also released, and allergic reactions like a runny nose, sneezing, itching and wheezing result. Symptoms can manifest minutes or even hours after eating the food. Food intolerances do not elicit the same response from the body. You may experience similar symptoms, but these are typically short-lived. In addition, your body doesn’t produce histamine and IgE in response.
Food Allergies and the Ear
Your ear, nose and throat are lined with mucus membranes that can swell during an allergic reaction or infection. These ears also connect to the nose and throat via the Eustachian tubes, which open into the pharynx, the area where your nasal cavity opens into the throat. Due to this connection, allergic reactions that occur in your mouth or throat can also affect your ears. Itchiness, numbness or burning sensations can occur along the shared mucus membrane areas. Your outer ear may also be affected. The ears can swell, feel sore or appear red. Skin reactions like hives can also pop up on or around your ears.
Common Food Allergens
Any food can trigger an allergic reaction; the most common food allergens include wheat, dairy, peanuts, eggs, shellfish and soy. Certain fruits and vegetables can also cause itchiness in the mouth and ears; they contain proteins similar to those found in ragweed, grass and pollen. If you have seasonal allergies, eating melons, tomatoes and even apples can cause an itching sensation. Children may also experience food allergies when they are young, especially the first time they eat a food. However, they typically grow out of food allergies by 2 to 4 years of age.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing an allergy can be difficult. Your doctor can perform a skin test, where an array of potential allergens is scratched on your skin to discover to which your body reacts. Elimination tests involve removing suspicious foods from your diet for a few weeks, then adding them back one at a time. A reaction is easier to spot when only one food is introduced. Once an allergen is determined, avoiding the food is the best treatment option. If a reaction occurs, your doctor may prescribe allergy medications to reduce inflammation and itching symptoms. Severe reactions like anaphylaxis should be considered an emergency. As a precaution for such an event, your doctor may prescribe for you to carry an epinephrine auto-injector. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor to determine the best course of action.
