Kiwi allergy

Kiwi allergy is a rare disease that is not as common as citrus allergy. But kiwi is a strong allergen. Not only can consuming the fruit cause an allergy, but also inhaling its aroma. Many doctors claim that kiwi allergy is similar in its symptoms and course of the disease to allergies to pineapple, papaya, and fruits high in vitamin C.

Allergy to kiwi is not very common. But exotic fruits are, in principle, quite strong allergens, so you should eat them with some caution.

Since kiwi contains a lot of vitamin C, contact with the fruit can cause skin irritation, which is especially true for people with sensitive skin. And the acid that is found in abundance in the fruit leads to swelling of the tongue, lips, palate and burning.

Kiwi is very healthy, it contains a lot of vitamin C and other microelements that strengthen the body's immune system. And, in addition, in the presence of other types of allergies, as well as for the treatment and prevention of other diseases, this fruit is also often prescribed. But, despite all this, various allergic reactions can occur to kiwi itself, since it contains enzymes and a special enzyme - actinidin, which promotes the absorption of proteins.

Kiwi is a source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help the human body develop protective functions against infectious diseases. Kiwi contains:

• Beta-carotene.
• Manganese.
• Vitamin E.
• Flavonoids.
• Vitamin A.
• Magnesium.
• Vitamin K.
• Iron.

The beneficial substances contained in the fruit perfectly accelerate the blood and prevent the formation of clots in the vessels, which prevents heart attacks and strokes. 100 grams of kiwi contain 312 mg of potassium, which is 7% of the daily norm. It is safe to say that kiwi is a source of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the body. But if kiwi causes allergies, then there is no need to talk about the beneficial properties of the fruit.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Causes of Kiwi Allergy

The causes of kiwi allergy are hidden in the substances found in the fruit. We are talking about amino acids, salicylates, benzoates. All these substances cause both allergies and pseudoallergies. In addition, kiwi contains tyramine, a very allergenic substance that can cause dysbacteriosis and provoke the development of liver diseases.

Congenital allergy to kiwi is almost never encountered, most often allergy is caused by exposure to several irritants. The cause of allergy to kiwi is saturation of the body with a certain allergen, for example, amino acids. As a result, saturation leads to the body's refusal to accept the product. Allergy to kiwi can manifest itself in the form of allergic rhinitis, cause swelling of the lips, tongue, palate, cause skin dermatitis and a small rash.

In children, kiwi allergy passes much faster and is not as painful as in adults. A strong allergic reaction may cause vomiting, dizziness, conjunctivitis, anaphylactic shock. The cause of kiwi allergy is an inadequate reaction of a healthy body to histamine and its products. Over time, the allergy recedes, but it is impossible to cure it. The only treatment for kiwi allergy is a complete rejection of the fruit.

Kiwi causes allergies in both adults and children, and the cause of the allergic reaction lies in the substances found in the fruit. When eating kiwi, it is worth considering the fact that an allergic reaction to kiwi can cause collapse. Therefore, kiwi is not recommended for children under three years of age and women who are carrying a child. Kiwi causes allergies due to the protein found in the exotic fruit.

It is surprising that, acting as an allergen, kiwi helps to more easily tolerate allergies to plants. That is, some allergenic substances completely block the action of others. Doctors believe that this secret of kiwi lies in the high content of vitamin C. Kiwi is contraindicated for consumption if you have gastritis or ulcers, since the small seeds of the fruit will cause severe irritation of the stomach.

[ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ]

Symptoms of Kiwi Allergy

Symptoms of kiwi allergy are similar to symptoms of citrus fruits, which are rich in vitamin C. The first symptom of kiwi allergy is redness, thick rash, runny nose, swelling, cough. In severe cases of allergic reaction to kiwi, there may be Quincke's edema and even anaphylactic shock. The last manifestations of allergy to exotic fruit - kiwi require immediate treatment.

An allergy to kiwi can be caused not only by eating the product, but also by the smell of kiwi.

Characteristic symptoms of kiwi allergy:

• burning sensation in the mouth;
• swelling and edema of the tongue, lips, larynx;
• sensation of "lumps" in the throat;
• redness of the mucous membrane, itching, cracks;
• dermatosis of the larynx;
• hives;
• skin rash;
• vomit;
• diarrhea;
• constipation;
• stomach ache;
• sneezing;
• headaches;
• heat;
• runny nose;
• cough;
• hoarseness;
• dyspnea;
• sleep disorders;
• dizziness;
• low blood pressure.

Symptoms of kiwi allergy can occur immediately after eating the fruit, or they can appear after some time. Moreover, any of these symptoms could be caused by even a small piece of cake or a spoonful of fruit salad, which included kiwi.

To localize the allergy to kiwi and relieve the symptoms a little, any antihistamine will do. Very often, injections of Diphenhydramine are used to relieve severe allergy symptoms, but tablets should not be used, as they begin to act with a delay. Syrups, ointments, tinctures, powders are used as a systematic treatment for the symptoms of kiwi allergy. But during treatment, it is very important not to undermine the liver and, if possible, take drugs that will protect it.

It is very important not only to eliminate the symptoms of kiwi allergy, but also to prevent their recurrence. To do this, you need to seek medical help.

Kiwi allergy in adults

If you notice these signs, you should stop eating kiwi and any of its derivatives. It should be understood that kiwi is often added to various salads, confectionery, and sweets.

An allergy to kiwi in adults is a reaction of the immune system to an irritant, a substance that is present in the fruit. It is very important for adult allergy sufferers to find out the true cause of the body's inadequate behavior. For these purposes, allergy tests are done, the data obtained will be able to accurately say whether there is an allergy to kiwi in adults.

In addition to kiwi allergy, adults often have allergies to nuts, pollen from plants and trees, carrots, milk and much more. Also, problems with the body can be caused by cereal crops. If you have an allergy to kiwi, it is recommended to completely exclude citrus fruits and products that contain a large dose of vitamin C from your diet. Kiwi allergy in adults is associated with the immune system's reaction to aspirin and salicylates. Therefore, in addition to an allergy to exotic fruits, rashes and swelling may occur when eating peaches, tomatoes, berries, plums or cucumbers.

You can conduct research on kiwi allergy at any time, for this it is enough to take tests for allergens and take a blood test. Do not forget about antihistamines, which help relieve allergy symptoms. Please note that the higher the level of specific antibodies in the blood, the more acute and difficult the allergy is.

Cross-reactions to kiwi

Cross-reactions to kiwi exist, as do many other products. In case of kiwi allergy, allergists recommend not to eat nuts, especially different types, especially hazelnuts. Bananas, pineapples, papayas, and many other exotic fruits are not recommended. If you have had an allergic reaction to kiwi, you should exercise some caution and attention when trying a new exotic fruit.

[ 8 ], [ 9 ]

The child is allergic to kiwi

Allergists do not recommend consuming kiwi for small children, up to the age of five or six, and advise avoiding it in any form. Acute allergic reactions to kiwi in children are highly probable, so virtually all pediatricians warn young parents that small children should not consume kiwi, as kiwi can even cause anphylactic shock in babies.

If a child has an allergy to kiwi or an allergic reaction to any product, parents panic. It has been scientifically proven that the reasons for concern due to an allergic reaction to kiwi are justified, since the fruit can cause a severe form of allergy.

The greatest probability of getting an allergy to kiwi is in children under five years old. A scientific experiment was conducted, in which hundreds of volunteers participated, including children. It was found that an allergy to kiwi appeared in 70% of children. It is important that the children ate the fruit for the first time in their lives, but still became hostages of the allergy. In a child, an allergy to kiwi manifests itself in the form of swelling of the tongue, dermatosis of the larynx and throat, shortness of breath and a strong cough. Scientists claim that an allergy to kiwi is caused by the juice of the fruit and the protein found in kiwi.

If kiwi used to be an exotic rare fruit, now it can be purchased at any time of the year and in any store. According to statistics, one child out of ten is sure that his favorite fruit is kiwi. But this is not a reason to forget about the potential danger of allergens that are in the fruit. Therefore, the attitude to the use of fruit should be extremely careful.

Diagnosis of Kiwi Allergy

Kiwi allergy can be diagnosed only by studying the symptoms. Thus, the symptoms of kiwi allergy are limited to stomach upset, skin itching, diathesis and skin dermatitis. In adults, kiwi allergy is diagnosed due to symptoms such as conjunctivitis and rhinitis. Please note that if you ignore the allergy symptoms, the disease will develop into a severe form. In especially severe cases, the allergy is accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting and dizziness. In children, the most accurate diagnosis of kiwi allergy is itching, which leads to a failure of the immune system and exhaustion of the child's body.

Timely diagnosis of kiwi allergy allows you to quickly eliminate the symptoms of the disease and cure the allergy, preventing its occurrence in the future.

A blood test is performed to diagnose kiwi allergy. Blood is tested for allergens at any time; this procedure does not require special preparation. There is also no need to stop taking antihistamines: they cannot affect the diagnostic results in any way.

The tests can reveal how concentrated the antibodies are in the blood serum. If the disease is acute, specific IgE will be observed in large quantities. In a normal state, antibodies will either not be observed at all, or their quantity will be minimal.

Skin tests are also used to diagnose kiwi allergies. Which technology is right for you and corresponds to the individual characteristics of your body is determined by your allergist.

[ 10 ], [ 11 ]

Treatment for Kiwi Allergy

Treatment of kiwi allergy should be timely. There are several ways to diagnose and treat allergy. A person who has encountered allergy symptoms for the first time may confuse the disease with other diseases. Thus, kiwi allergy, in its symptoms, is similar to infectious diseases, scabies or psoriasis. Treatment of kiwi allergy includes not only taking medications, but also proper nutrition, that is, diet, physiotherapy and massage.

• The most effective method of treating kiwi allergy is immunotherapy, i.e. vaccination that prepares the body for the effects of allergens. During immunotherapy, the patient is given small doses of allergens. This allows the body to produce antibodies that block harmful substances in kiwi and prevent them from affecting the body. As a rule, after such a course of immunotherapy, a person does not develop an allergy to kiwi and other allergens.
• Treatment of kiwi allergy is also carried out with medications. Antihistamines are used for treatment, these are cetrin, claritin, xyzal and others. As for the duration of treatment, it depends on the symptoms of the disease and can be from one or two weeks to a couple of months. There are proven drugs that can cure kiwi allergy. These are tayled, cromoglin and other drugs based on cromoglicic acid.
• Kiwi allergy can also be treated with surgical methods that help alleviate the disease. The most effective surgical treatment method is extracorporeal hemocorrection or gravitational surgery. This method helps combat any allergy, including kiwi allergy, by adjusting the blood composition. Factors that cause allergic diseases and immunodeficiency are removed from blood contaminated with allergens.

The most effective methods of treating kiwi allergy are the complete exclusion of the allergen from the diet. Exotic kiwi can always be replaced with fruits and products that contain the same vitamins and minerals. Only a professional doctor can prescribe the correct treatment for kiwi allergy and help get rid of the disease.

In case of an allergic reaction to kiwi, of course, first of all it is necessary to stop eating this exotic fruit and end contact with the allergen as soon as possible (up to the point that kiwi is not even in the same room with you, because an allergy to kiwi can manifest itself even from its smell). The patient should immediately take one of the antihistamine antiallergic drugs (it is appropriate to take Zyrtec, Tellfast, Tavegil, Suprastin, etc., now the list of antihistamines sold in every pharmacy is quite extensive).

Zyrtec is available in drops and tablets. One tablet and one milliliter of drop solution (20 drops) contain 10 mg of the active ingredient cetirizine. Zyrtec is taken orally regardless of meal time, washed down with a small amount of water. Adults and children over twelve years of age with an allergy to kiwi are recommended to take one tablet or 20 drops of solution. Small children aged 6 months - 2 years - 5 drops, 2 - 6 years - 10 drops.

A drug such as Telfast for kiwi allergy, adults and children over 12 years old take one tablet (120 or 180 mg) once a day. Taking the drug does not depend on food, the tablet is washed down with water in sufficient quantity. Small children under six years of age usually do not take the drug, from 6 to 11 years old Telfast is prescribed in a dosage of 30 mg twice a day.

Let us remind you that it is best to consult with an allergist before using medications, if possible, who will be able to assess your condition and prescribe an individual dosage based on the characteristics of your body, your medical history and manifestations of allergic reactions.

Your second action after taking any antihistamine should be to eliminate local symptoms: if there is skin itching, then salicylic alcohol or another alcohol tincture is used to lubricate the affected areas. If the patient has anphylactic shock or Quincke's edema, then before the ambulance arrives, you need to ensure that air reaches the patient's lungs as much as possible. Strong odors only increase bronchospasms. The best help for the victim is an injection of adrenaline (this is what ambulance doctors do first upon arrival, along with intravenous injection of prednisolone).

Allergy to kiwi and cosmetics

In medical practice, there are known cases when cosmetics containing kiwi extract caused allergic reactions and caused skin rashes and itching on the face, body or head (depending on the cosmetic and the place where it was applied). If a person is allergic to kiwi, he should avoid shampoos, creams, deodorants and other cosmetics based on kiwi or containing extracts of this exotic fruit.

Kiwi Allergy Prevention

If you have an allergy to kiwi, naturally, you should exclude it from your diet. It is worth paying attention to dishes that may contain kiwi: fruit salads, cakes, pastries. It should be remembered that even a small piece of kiwi can cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, be careful, because sometimes kiwi extracts can be contained, for example, in sweets, marmalade, cream, etc. and even when eating this fruit in this form, an allergy to kiwi may occur.

Prevention of kiwi allergy begins with the complete exclusion of the allergen from the diet. It is also necessary to seek help from an allergist who will help diagnose an allergy to kiwi. Prevention should include a hypoallergenic diet. The goal of the diet is to completely exclude from the diet foods with a high content of allergens, which are also found in kiwi. If after prevention the allergy makes itself known again, then it is worth excluding moderately allergenic foods from the diet. These dietary rules should be followed for a month.

That is, the prevention of kiwi allergy is not only therapeutic, but also has diagnostic properties. You can overcome kiwi allergy by gradually accustoming your body to the allergen.

Kiwi allergy is a disease that raises many questions. Since it is very difficult to identify an allergy to such an exotic fruit. We hope that the above-described symptoms of kiwi allergy, treatment methods and prevention methods will help you.