Allergy to potatoes

Incredible, but true: the potato allergy exists. In its purest form, however, it is rare. But to ignore and not take into account the reaction of the body to the "second bread" can not. After all, a potato allergy, like any other food allergy, can cause anaphylactic shock.

[1], [2]

Causes of allergy to potatoes

As already mentioned, the diagnosis of "allergy to potatoes" is extremely rare. This vegetable, which is known to even enter the system of children's dietary nutrition, is often not considered as a potential cause of food allergies. Even on the contrary: doctors often advise to use exactly potatoes at occurrence of allergic reactions ...

The same allergy to potato develops most often as a reaction of the body to starch or proteins (penton, tuberin, etc.). In this case, both respiratory and food allergies to potatoes can be observed.

At one time, in the hospital of the University of Leuven (Belgium), an experiment was conducted. People in white coats examined the health of eight children, ranging from 3.5 months to 2 years. Everyone had allergic reactions of incomprehensible origin. According to the scientists, the whole blame could have been ordinary white potatoes. This hypothesis was checked experimentally. Result: in 2 out of 8 children, the potato caused allergic reactions of immediate type, the rest - slowed down. Scientists failed to establish what exactly caused this reaction of the organism. As it turned out, each child thus "reacted" to different combinations of potato proteins. It was also found out that the thermal processing of potatoes practically does not affect the situation and does not reduce the allergenicity of the vegetable, at least for children. True, the potato allergy was short. In 7 out of 8 children examined, she disappeared as soon as they were 6 years old.

[3], [4], [5], [6]

Symptoms of potato allergy

Allergy to potatoes can manifest itself in a number of symptoms. These can be, like gastrointestinal reactions (intestinal disorders), so rhinitis, sneezing, itching and burning in the mouth. In addition, contact dermatitis, eczema, hives and even asthma attacks are possible. Allergies to potatoes can cause very severe headaches and even, as already mentioned, anaphylactic shock.

It is important to note that the reaction may occur even if indirect contact occurs. In children, for example, allergic manifestations can appear in case the child is in the kitchen, where the potatoes are cleaned.

So, the potato allergy can be manifested by such signs: 

• difficulty swallowing;
• hoarseness; 
• swelling of the lips, tongue, throat and face; 
• asthma; 
• hives; 
• coughing, sneezing; 
• redness, tooth and tenderness of the eyes; 
• coryza; 
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; 
• dyspnea; 
• headaches, sleep disturbance, dizziness; 
• itching and tingling in the mouth.

The earliest and typical symptoms are reddening and a small rash on the skin around the mouth, itching in the mouth, swelling of the mucous membrane. These signs, as a rule, appear immediately after the use of potatoes. Also, quite often allergies to potatoes are manifested by abnormalities in the work of the gastrointestinal tract. These are symptoms such as lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, upset of the stool, stitching in the abdomen.

Allergy to potatoes in infants

It is infants most often prone to allergic reactions to certain foods. All the fault is still fragile walls of the intestine. They simply can not provide the small organism with the necessary protection against allergens. In addition, to promote the development of allergies in children can be a hereditary predisposition and environmental environmental ill-being.

There is an allergy to potatoes in infants in almost the same way as in patients of other age groups. These can be skin lesions (dermatitis, Quincke's edema, urticaria), gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, regurgitation, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation), and respiratory disorders (rhinitis, sneezing and asthma).

According to statistics, in 26 percent of cases the cause of food allergy in one-year-old children is potatoes. By the way, do not forget about the so-called "cross-reaction." With an exacerbation of food allergies to potatoes, the body may "inadequately respond" to other products similar in antigenic structure. As a result, an allergic reaction to another product may develop. When allergic to potatoes, eggplants, tomatoes, green and red capsicums, paprika, tobacco can give a cross reaction.

However, there is such an unspoken rule: if an allergy occurs in a child under 3 years of age, then most likely, with age, it disappears.

[7]

Diagnosis of potato allergy

When diagnosing allergies in infants, it is necessary, first of all, to pay attention to the nutrition of the nursing mother and child. In order to establish the exact cause, you will need to start a nutrition diary. There it is necessary to write down all the products that the child and mother use, and also to note the reaction of the child's organism to food.

If, in your opinion, you have decided on a product that causes an allergy, but want to make sure of it, you can use the method of food provocation. It consists that the product "under suspicion" in the beginning for some weeks is completely withdrawn from a ration of the person, then returns to the menu. All this time, the patient's condition, appearance or vice versa - disappearance of allergic reactions. True, it is necessary to remember: this method is quite dangerous. Because it can provoke anaphylactic shock. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct it only under the supervision of a doctor.

To accurately diagnose an allergy to potatoes, you will probably need to conduct skin tests. In this case, the suspected allergen (potato proteins, starch) is injected in a small amount and a minimum concentration under the skin. By responding to this manipulation, the doctor can determine if there is an allergy to potatoes. However, many doctors do not advise using this method on children younger than 5 years.

To accurately understand whether a person is allergic to potatoes, he will need to undergo an examination with an allergist and a nutritionist. In addition, you can take blood tests CAP-RAST or ELISA. It is possible to determine whether allergic potatoes are allergoscreening (analysis of specific immunoglobulins E).

Treatment of allergies to potatoes

First of all, already at the first signs of the sensitivity of the organism to potatoes, it must be excluded from the diet. If the allergy to potatoes is manifested in the baby, then give up the "second bread", and - in any of its form, should and mother.

In addition, in the presence of allergic reactions, you must strictly follow the hypoallergenic diet.

A wide spread recently received special immunotherapy. It is in the introduction with the increasing dosage of the allergen in the body to the patient. In response, ostensibly, antibodies are produced. But such treatment can be carried out only by an experienced allergist and only after a thorough examination.

In cases of severe food allergy to potatoes, you need to take antihistamines. The most popular of them are Diazolin, Suprastin, Claritin, Loratadin and others. Diazolinum and Suprastinum under strict supervision of the doctor of mum can accept and during a lactemia. Schemes of treatment are prescribed by a doctor.

According to the instructions, dragees Diazolin should be taken orally, without chewing, immediately after and during the meal. Adults and children over 12 years - 1-3 times a day for 0.1 g, children from 2 to 5 years - 1-2 times a day for 0.05 g, from 5 to 10 years - to 0.05 g 2-4 times a day.

Standard dosage of Suprastin for adults is 1 tablet 3-4 times a day. Children up to a year - ¼ tablets (6.25 mg) 2-3 times a day. Babies from 1 to 6 years - 1/3 tablets (8.3 g) 2-3 times a day. Half a tablet 2-3 times a day can be taken by children, age from 7 to 14 years.

The recommended dose of Claritin for adults and children over 12 years is 1 tablet (10 mg) or 2 teaspoons of syrup 1 time per day. Children from 2 to 12 years - half the adult dosage.

Loratadin adults and children after 12 years can take oral 1 tablet (10 mg) once a day. Children from 2 to 12 years, like in the case of Claritin, should take half of the adult dose.

Anaphylactic shock requires emergency care. Therefore, it is important that the patient has adrenaline at hand.

Preventing allergies to potatoes

Children often outgrow allergies. If, however, the allergy to potatoes worries adults, then they must remember that they will most likely be in a lifetime of potential danger. The most effective way to not suffer from allergies to potatoes is to exclude potatoes from your diet.

In addition, it is necessary to remember: potato starch, which is often a provoker of allergic reactions, is a part of different dishes. Therefore, eating in restaurants and cafes, it is important to warn the cooks about their allergies and specify what is included in this or that dish. Also, do not forget to carefully study the labels and compositions of products that you buy in the store.

If you or your child has an allergy to potatoes, and at least once in a life it showed itself sharply, always carry antihistamines with you, and in extreme cases even epinephrine.