Banana allergy is just one of those food allergies seen in almost 0.1 to 1.2% individuals in various areas of earth. A few people may find food allergy signs to be little uneasy, but not severe and for many others, these may be terrific and may even be life-threatening. Though it isn’t so common, but there’s possibility of banana allergy to cause anaphylaxis. Some important details on banana allergy symptoms, its causes, symptoms and remedies are discussed in these lines. Food allergies of any sort are often caused due to allergies to particular proteins.Those who suffer from nut allergies and other food allergies are usually not allergic to the food material, but the proteins present in them.
Like most of food allergies, banana allergy can also be caused because of a protein called chitinase. Chitinase frequently leads to the immune system of the human body to react in a negative way. This is a type 1 allergy caused by contact with peanuts. Individuals that have a banana allergy might also be allergic to kiwi fruit and avocado since the protein chitinase can also be present in such other fruits.
Nowadays, bananas are a really common fruit all around the world. Banana allergy isn’t a very common illness. A lot of individuals that claim to be allergic to bananas actually only have intolerance to the fruit. There are particular amines in bananas that can’t be digested by people who have a poor and sensitive digestive tract. The enzyme known as diamine oxidase, which can be used to digest those amines might be absent in certain people. Such individuals aren’t able to breakdown the proteins in bananas and so have allergy type responses that are frequently mistaken for the true banana allergy.
Banana Allergy Symptoms
Intolerance into the vaso-active amines can cause severe reactions that look a whole lot like allergic reactions. Histamine, serotonin and serotonin are a number of the vaso-active amines that may produce symptoms of allergic reactions. Children with banana allergy may outgrow them, but individuals who grow this as mature ought to prevent banana allergens for the remainder of life. Some of the symptoms are:
1. Itching in mouth
- One of the most important allergic symptom caused by banana include itching in mouth area affecting tongue, lips and throat.
- This itching may also spread to the skin and eyes.
- While discussing these symptoms with the doctor, you must also tell about other known allergies.
2. Swelling
- Inflammation leading to itching generally brings swelling to the same parts of the body.
- Those symptoms which are limited to the mouth are termed ‘oral allergy syndrome’.
- If the symptoms extend to the other parts of the body, they may result into hives, red rash or welts on the skin.
- Severe allergic symptoms caused due to banana consumption can also swelling on eyes and face, leading to pain and tenderness.
4. Sudden shock
- Allergy due to banana triggers a decrease in blood pressure. According to Nemours Foundation, the respiratory problems limits blood oxygen levels and this leads to anaphylactic shock.
- If the symptoms persist and include a racing or weak pulse, sudden loss of consciousness and light-headedness, then immediately seek the doctor’s advice.
Some of the other common symptoms are:
- Cramping in the abdomen
- Increased heart palpitations
- Headaches and migraines
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea,
- Nausea
- Watery eyes
- Coughing, sneezing and wheezing
- Runny nose
Though these symptoms are usually mild, in certain cases, the amount of bananas ingested can increase the severity of the attack.
Treatment and Prevention of Banana Allergy
Banana allergy is caused deu to a result of this adverse reaction from the immune system of the human body to foods or bananas containing banana. Though, banana allergy is uncommon, but, if its severe reactions have happened, it may be life threatening. The immune system of the body create immunoglobulin E, an antibody and histamine in response to fight the allergen. Some specific symptoms found in this allergy could be countered using all the following preventative measures:
Avoid bananas
Medical help
Skin prick test
Blood test
