Food allergies commonly occur in children, but adults can have reactions as well. A reaction can appear with any type of food, including cherries, and your symptoms will vary depending on the severity of your allergic reaction and the amount of the food consumed. Systemic symptoms often occur with food allergies, but you can also experience eye symptoms such as swollen eyelids. Knowing signs of a reaction will help you detect a problem early and seek any necessary treatment.
Other Symptoms
A reaction to cherries and other foods can cause swelling around the eyes, but you could experience swelling in other parts of your face as well. This includes swelling of your lips and tongue. Other symptoms include a rash, tingling around or in your mouth, stomach upset and dizziness. You might also have difficulty breathing, and in severe reactions the tissues in your throat may swell, closing off the airway.
Medications
If you experience a mild reaction to cherries your doctor may recommend using an over-the-counter allergy medication such as an antihistamine. This will help reduce the severity of your symptoms and may help bring down inflammation in your eyelids. A severe reaction can require an epinephrine injection that will prevent or treat closed airways and other life-threatening conditions. An emergency care center can inject this medication, but if you have a known, severe allergy to cherries or other allergen, your doctor can prescribe an injection kit. You carry the kit with you in case you come in contact with the allergen.
Other Eyelid Treatment
In addition to oral medication, an allergy eye drop might help relieve inflammation in your eyelids. Pharmacies carry these over-the-counter eye drops, or your doctor might prescribe one for you. The drops will not relieve other symptoms, but may help reduce this discomfort.
You can also use cool compresses on your eyelids to help ease swelling and pain. Dampen a clean cloth or towel with cool water. You should wring out the excess water from the cloth and then place this over your eyelids. Leave in place for five to 10 minutes, and repeat as necessary throughout the day for comfort.
Considerations
Inform your doctor whether you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction to cherries or other foods or products. Your doctor will help you determine whether your symptoms indicate allergies or they stem from another cause such as an infection. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience shortness of breath, throat tightness or any other feelings that make breathing difficult.
