Medical expert of the article
New publications
Allergy to tea
Last reviewed: 19.11.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
[Causes of allergy to tea
An allergic reaction can be caused by an individual tea allergen - a specific protein F222. However, it is often not the tea leaf that causes allergies, but all sorts of aromatic, flavoring, coloring, synthetic fibers that are ubiquitous in almost all varieties of modern tea. Also, allergens can be herbs that are present in the composition. To the herbs in addition often go biologically active substances, microelements, specifically affecting the human body. When you choose tea, make sure that its expiration date has not yet come out. The fact is that overdue tea, which has experienced a repeated change in humidity, may contain fungus, and that, in turn, cause a strong allergic reaction.
Symptoms of an allergy to tea
Everyone has an allergy to tea, like any other pathological reaction, manifests itself in different ways. But the most common are skin rashes and itching. In addition, many allergy to tea manifests itself in the form of coughing, lacrimation, headache, nausea, nasal congestion, burning in the nose, in the mouth, in special cases, even attacks of suffocation are possible.
Often, an allergy overtakes people with weakened immunity. And one more important property - allergies to tea "all ages are submissive". The time of the reaction can vary: it can be either instantaneous, rapid and fast, and slow, and only a few days later.
Diagnosis of allergy to tea
The biggest catch of allergy to tea is that a person may not know which product has become an allergen for him. The patient takes an antiallergic drug to eliminate symptoms, and drinks it with the same tea. It is necessary to consult an allergist and immunologist, a survey is conducted, doctors take tests to identify the allergen and prescribe therapeutic measures.
Treatment of allergies to tea
If you find yourself or a person close to you, even one sign of an allergic reaction to tea, you should, firstly, immediately stop drinking tea and buy an antiallergic agent at the nearest pharmacy. Usually a person feels better already a few hours after using the drug.
Another good thing is to drink a half or two liters of clean water, preferably pre-filtered or boiled it. Thus, it is possible to provoke the removal of the allergen from the body and eliminate the first symptoms.
If the medicine and the measures taken have no effect, the symptoms do not go away, then it is worth consulting with the doctor. After all, in addition to the fact that the allergy itself is uncomfortable, it is still dangerous for its complications: bronchial asthma, serum sickness, hemolytic anemia. Allergy to tea can also manifest anaphylactic shock - its most serious consequence.
Preparations for the treatment of allergies to tea
Like any other type of food allergy, the allergic reaction to tea is treated with antihistamines (clarotadine, zirtek, suprastin, teridine, fenistil, cetrin, kremastin, lomilan, phenyramine maleate, etc.). It is best to use single-component drugs - they do not have many side effects. The most common adverse reaction to antihistamines is the manifestation of drowsiness and slowing of reactions. Complex treatment involves the use of additional drugs to strengthen the immune system, as well as symptomatic means. The stuffy nose is treated with nasivinum, otrivin, vizinom and other nasal drops, tearing - by a visit, etc.
If the reaction is particularly pronounced, it is best to consult specialists. Only the doctor has the right to prescribe more powerful drugs against allergies - hormones-glucocorticosteroids, mast cell stabilizers, etc.
Prevention of allergies to tea
If you are allergic to tea, during treatment and after it is best to completely abandon its use. You can consult with the doctor in charge - whether to refuse tea completely or to avoid certain grades or brands of a tea drink. Carrying out special allergoprobes will give an opportunity to understand what kind of tea can cause you allergic reactions.
However, it is not always necessary for an allergy sufferer to completely abandon this drink. Most often, the allergy is manifested when immunity is weakened. Therefore, sometimes helps to drink vitamins, drugs to strengthen the immune system, rest, so that the body can regain its strength and then, it is possible that the allergy to tea will not bother you anymore.