Fig allergy

Allergy to figs is quite rare, as this fruit contains very small amounts of essential oils. However, some people, due to certain characteristics, may experience a negative reaction in their body after eating figs.

Figs have excellent nutritional value, they contain a large number of vitamins, microelements, essential amino acids, and protein. However, this fruit is exotic for us, and therefore the possibility of allergic reactions is not excluded.

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Causes of Fig Allergy

At the moment, we can talk about several possible factors that provoke the development of an allergy to figs:

• hereditary factor. If one or, especially, both parents have a history of allergic reactions to figs, then the child has an 80% higher chance of inheriting this feature of the body;
• a weak immune system, excessive illness of a child in childhood can create the preconditions for allergic manifestations in older age;
• pathological processes in some internal organs, especially in the stomach or intestines. Sometimes the absence or insufficient amount of certain gastrointestinal enzymes leads to difficulties in digesting the components of figs, this provokes failures in the body's defenses.

Often, the appearance of an allergic reaction to figs in a child is associated with the prolonged consumption of this fruit by the mother during pregnancy. However, this is just an assumption; there is no scientifically proven evidence of this fact.

Sometimes a person can eat fresh and canned figs without any problems, but an allergy to dried or cured fruits occurs. Why? In this situation, the reaction is most likely not to the fig itself, but to sulfur dioxide SO2, which the fruits are treated with before drying. To get rid of it, it is recommended to wash the figs well before eating, or simply soak them in hot water for half an hour.

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Symptoms of Fig Allergy

An allergic reaction to figs develops within a short time from the moment the berries are consumed. The symptoms of the body's reaction can be varied: from subtle manifestations in the form of itchy dermatoses and swelling of the lower part of the face to local swelling and anaphylactic shock.

Symptoms usually develop rapidly and may include:

• allergic rhinitis, swelling of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, difficulty breathing;
• the appearance of rashes on the skin such as urticaria or atopic dermatitis;
• dyspeptic phenomena such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the epigastric region;
• conjunctivitis, lacrimation, burning and itching in the eye area;
• sudden decrease in blood pressure up to loss of consciousness, headache, convulsions.

Clinical manifestations can be of varying severity, depending on the sensitivity of the body and the amount of allergens that enter the blood.

In particularly severe cases, Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock may develop, characterized by multiple local tissue edema and attacks of suffocation.

Diagnosis of Fig Allergy

The diagnostic features of fig allergy are the same as for other allergic diseases. Research is aimed at detecting specific antibodies, or the results of the interaction of antibodies with antigens, as well as checking the reaction of a hypersensitive organism to certain foods, in particular, figs.

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

Of the clinical laboratory tests, the following are mandatory: a general blood test, a cytological examination of secretions from the nasal or pharyngeal mucosa.

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

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

If you suspect the development of an allergic reaction to any food product, you should exclude the involvement of diseases of the digestive system, metabolic disorders, intoxication of the body, drug overdose, endocrine system pathologies, infectious diseases in these symptoms.

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Treatment of fig allergy

Treatment of fig allergy must begin with eliminating the effect of the allergic factor on the body, that is, stop eating figs in any form.

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

A special hypoallergenic diet is prescribed taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient, excluding foods containing the allergen.

Medication is also used, aimed primarily at eliminating symptoms. New generation antihistamines (fexofenadine, cetirizine, ebastine, desloratadine) cause a minimum number of side effects, do not have a sedative and cardiotoxic effect, which was observed in drugs used previously.

Corticosteroids are used only for severe allergic reactions. These medications are used in short courses, as long-term use is not recommended.

Symptomatic therapy includes the prescription of drugs to improve metabolism, vitamin and microelement complexes, and drugs to improve intestinal microflora.

In recent years, genetic engineering developments have been introduced to combat allergies, when monoclonal antibodies are produced based on information about an allergic reaction. But these methods have not yet been sufficiently mastered, and the use of antihistamines will remain the main treatment for allergic manifestations for a long time.

Prevention of allergy to figs

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

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

It is also important to increase the body's immune defenses - for this purpose, take vitamin complexes and immunomodulatory agents. An active lifestyle, hardening of the body, and refusal from alcoholic beverages and smoking are welcomed.

Pregnant women, especially those with a history of allergies, are advised to adhere to the principles of rational nutrition, not to abuse certain products, to refrain from smoking and taking medications not prescribed by a doctor, in order to prevent such in the future child. These recommendations should also be followed during breastfeeding.

Catering establishments (cafes, restaurants) are not the best option for people prone to allergic reactions. If you are sure that you have an allergy to figs, try to be careful about the products you eat, eat only those foods that are definitely free of this allergen.