Tomato Allergies-Causes, Symptoms And Prevention
Tomato allergy is a type 1 hypersensitivity to tomatoes. Type 1 allergies are generally called contact allergies. When a individual having such a allergy comes in contact with an allergen, like a tomato, histamines are released into vulnerable regions like the nose, skin, and respiratory and digestive tracts. Subsequently, this induces an allergic reaction.
Regardless of the fact that tomato and tomato-based products are a few of the most heavily consumed foods in the western diet, tomato allergies are incredibly rare. Someone having a tomato allergy can be susceptible to allergic reactions along with different nightshades, such as potatoes, tobacco, and eggplant. Many times, people who have a tomato allergy is going to have a cross-reaction to latex too (latex-fruit syndrome).
The tomato is one of the most widely cultivated and eaten fruits in the world. British tomato production alone amounts to around 75,000 tonnes a year, with collected UK consumption totalling a huge 500,000 tonnes.
Compared to the amount we eat, reactions to tomatoes are not considered to be very common. This could largely be in part to the nature of the intolerance, with symptoms often taking a while to form, sometimes showing up as late as 72 hours after tomatoes have been ingested.
With such a slow onset time, reactions to tomato can easily be dismissed or attributed to other factors. If you’re unsure of whether tomato is having a negative effect on you, this article on tomato allergy and intolerance should help.
Tomato allergies symptoms
Symptoms of a tomato allergy usually occur shortly after the allergen is consumed. They include:
- skin rash, eczema, or hives (urticaria)
- abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- an itching sensation in the throat
- coughing, sneezing, wheezing, or runny nose
- swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat (angioedema)
- anaphylaxis (very rarely)
Tomato allergies eczema
Eczema occurs in just about 10 percent of individuals with food allergies. But, tomatoes (along with nuts) are considered irritants to people with psoriasis. Indicators of allergy-related eczema may generally happen immediately after exposure to the allergen and might consist of recurrent migraines, severe itching, swelling, and redness.
A tomato allergy could be verified with either a skin prick test or a blood test that detects immunoglobulin E (IgE). Avoidance is the best choice, however, tomato allergies can usually be treated successfully with antihistamines, and topical anesthetic ointment may be helpful when treating an allergic rash.
