Allergy to figs

Allergy to figs is rare, as this fruit contains a very small amount of essential oils. However, some people, due to certain features, after eating figs can observe the appearance of a negative reaction of the organism.

Figs have an excellent nutritional value, it includes a large number of vitamins, trace elements, essential amino acids, protein. But still this fruit is exotic for us, and therefore the likelihood of allergic manifestations is not ruled out.

[1], [2], [3], [4]

Causes of allergy to figs

At the moment, we can talk about several possible factors that trigger the development of allergies to figs:

• hereditary factor. If one or, especially, both parents have a history of allergic reactions to figs, therefore, the child has 80% more chances to inherit this feature of the body;
• weak immune system, excessive morbidity of the child in childhood can create prerequisites for allergic manifestations at an older age;
• pathological processes in some internal organs, especially in the stomach or intestine. Sometimes the absence or lack of certain enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract leads to difficulties in digesting the constituents of figs, this provokes failures in the work of the body's defenses.

Often the appearance in the child of an allergic reaction to figs is associated with the prolonged use of this fetus in food by his mother during pregnancy. However, this is just an assumption, there is no scientifically proven confirmation of this fact.

It also happens that when fresh and canned berries a fig person uses without problems, but on dried or dried fruits an allergy occurs. Why? In this situation, the reaction arises rather not on the fig itself, but on SO2 sulfur dioxide, with which the fruits are processed before drying. To get rid of it, the fig is recommended to be thoroughly washed before use, or simply soaked in hot water for half an hour.

[5], [6], [7], [8]

Symptoms of allergies to figs

Allergic reaction to figs develops within a short time from the moment of consumption of berries in food. Symptomatic reactions of the body can be diverse: from subtle manifestations in the form of itching dermatoses and edema of the lower part of the face to local edema and anaphylactic shock.

Symptoms, as a rule, develop rapidly, and can manifest themselves as:

• allergic rhinitis, edema of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, shortness of breath;
• the appearance of rashes on the skin by the type of urticaria or atopic dermatitis;
• Dyspeptic phenomena such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, epigastric pain;
• conjunctivitis, lacrimation, burning and itching in the eye area;
• sudden lowering of blood pressure down to loss of consciousness, headache, seizures.

Clinical manifestations can be of different severity, depending on the sensitivity of the organism and the amount of allergens that have got into the blood.

In especially severe cases, Quincke's edema may develop and the condition of anaphylactic shock, characterized by multiple local swelling of the tissues and attacks of suffocation.

Diagnosis of allergies to figs

Features of diagnosis of allergy to figs are the same as for other allergic diseases. The studies are aimed at the detection of specific antibodies, or the results of the interaction of antibodies with antigens, as well as the testing of the reaction of a hypersensitive organism to certain foods, in particular, to figs.

First of all, the patient's complaints are collected and identified with allergies. The presence of a hereditary factor is checked.

Of clinical and laboratory studies, a general blood test is necessary, a cytological examination of the discharge from the nasal mucosa or pharynx.

It is possible to conduct dermatological tests with specific food allergens, as well as provocative samples, which are a relatively long but extremely informative process.

The most frequent tests for food allergies to figs include a radioallergosorbent test (determination of antibodies in blood serum), an enzyme immunoassay (an immunological method for determining the quantity and quality of antigens).

If the suspected development of an allergic reaction to any of the food products should be excluded from involvement in this symptomatology of digestive system diseases, metabolic disorders, intoxication of the body, drug overdose, endocrine system pathologies, infectious diseases.

[9], [10], [11], [12], [13]

Treatment of allergies to figs

Treatment of allergy to figs must begin with the elimination of the effect on the body of the allergic factor, that is, stop taking figs in any form.

An integrated approach to treatment aimed at reducing symptoms and preventing complications is welcomed.

A special hypoallergenic diet is prescribed taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient, with the exception of products containing an allergen.

Also, drug therapy is used, primarily aimed at eliminating symptoms. New generation antihistamines (fexofenadine, cetirizine, ebastin, desloratadine) cause minimal amount of side effects, do not have sedative and cardiotoxic effect, which was observed in drugs used earlier.

Corticosteroids are only suitable for serious allergic reactions. These drugs are used in small courses, since long-term use is not recommended.

Symptomatic therapy includes the appointment of funds for improving metabolism, vitamin and micronutrient complexes, preparations for improving intestinal microflora.

In recent years, for the control of allergies, genetic engineering has been introduced, when monoclonal antibodies are produced on the basis of information on an allergic reaction. But while these methods are not sufficiently mastered, and the use of antihistamines will long remain the main one in the treatment of allergic manifestations.

Prevention of allergies to figs

People with signs of food allergies to figs and other foods should periodically be examined by an allergist and gastroenterologist. This is necessary for the timely diagnosis and prevention of other diseases that affect the organs of the digestive system.

As preventive measures to eliminate the likelihood of developing an allergic reaction, it is recommended to limit contact with the allergen, if possible, or to minimize it. In this case, hypoallergenic diet food is prescribed, preferably with the accompanying maintenance of the food diary.

It is also important to increase the immune defenses of the body - this is done by vitamin complexes, immunomodulating agents. Active lifestyle, hardening of the organism, refusal of alcoholic beverages and smoking are encouraged.

Pregnant women, especially those with a history of allergy, are recommended to adhere to the principles of rational nutrition, to not abuse certain foods, to refrain from smoking and taking medications not prescribed by the doctor to prevent it from a future child. These recommendations should be followed and during breastfeeding.

Points of public catering (cafes, restaurants) - not the best option for people prone to allergic reactions. If you are sure that you are allergic to figs, try attentively to the foods you eat, eat only the food that exactly does not contain this allergen.