Kiwi allergy
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Kiwi allergy is a rare disease that occurs, not so often, unlike allergies to citrus fruits. But kiwi is a strong allergen. Allergic to fruit can cause not only its use, but also the inhalation of the fragrance. Many doctors claim that the kiwi allergy is similar in its symptoms and course of the disease to allergy to pineapple, papaya and fruits with a high content of vitamin C.
Allergy to kiwi is not very common. But exotic fruits, in principle, quite strong allergens, so use them with some caution.
Since the kiwi contains a lot of vitamin C, then when you contact the fruit, you can get skin irritation, this is especially true for people with sensitive skin. And the acid, which is abundantly contained in the fruit leads to the flow of tongue, lips, sky and burning.
Kiwi is very useful, it has 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, it is also often prescribed to consume this fruit. But, in spite of all this, a variety of allergic reactions may appear on the kiwi itself, since it contains enzymes and a special enzyme called actinidin, which promotes the assimilation of proteins.
Kiwis are sources of vitamin C and antioxidants that help the human body develop protective functions against infectious diseases. The kiwi contains:
- Beta-carotene.
- Manganese.
- Vitamin E.
- Flavonoids.
- Vitamin A.
- Magnesium.
- Vitamin K.
- Iron.
Useful substances that are contained in the fruit perfectly disperses blood and prevents the formation of clots in the vessels, which prevents from heart attack and stroke. In 100 grams of kiwi contains 312 mg of potassium, which is 7% of the daily rate. With confidence, we can say that kiwi is a source of vitamins and minerals that are useful for the body. But if kiwi causes allergies, then the beneficial properties of the fruit can not be said.
Causes of Kiwi Allergy
The causes of kiwi allergy are hidden in substances that are in the fruit. It's about amino acids, salicylates, benzoates. All these substances cause both allergy and pseudoallergia. In addition, the kiwi contains tyramine, a very allergenic substance that can cause dysbiosis and provoke the development of liver diseases.
Congenital allergy to kiwi is practically not found, most often allergy is obtained due to the effect of several stimuli. The reason for the allergy to kiwi in the saturation of the body is a certain allergen, for example, amino acids. As a result, saturation leads to the body's failure to take 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, the kiwi allergy is much faster and not as painful as in adults. With a strong allergic reaction, there may be vomiting, dizziness, conjunctivitis, anaphylactic shock. The reason for the allergy to kiwi lies in the inadequate response of a healthy organism to histamine and the products of its production. Since time, the allergy recedes, but it is impossible to cure it. The only treatment for allergies to kiwi is complete rejection of the fruit.
Kiwi causes allergies, both in adults and in children, and the cause of the allergic reaction lies in the substances that are in the fruit. When using kiwi, it is worth considering the fact that an allergic reaction to kiwi can cause a collapse. Therefore, it is not recommended to give kiwi to children under three years of age and to women who have a baby. Kiwi causes allergies due to protein, which is contained in exotic fruit.
Surprising is the fact that acting as an allergen, kiwi helps to transfer allergies to plants easier. That is, some allergic substances completely overlap the effects of others. Doctors believe that such a secret of kiwi lies in the high content of vitamin C. Kiwi is contraindicated to use if you have gastritis or ulcers, as the small feces of the fruit will cause severe stomach irritation.
Symptoms of Kiwi Allergy
Symptoms of kiwi allergy are similar to those of fruits and citrus fruits, which are rich in vitamin C. The first symptom of kiwi allergy is redness, a thick rash, a runny nose, swelling, coughing. In severe cases of an allergic reaction to kiwi, perhaps Quincke's edema and even anaphylactic shock. The latest manifestations of the allergy to the exotic fruit - kiwi require immediate treatment.
Allergy to kiwi can cause not only the consumption of the product, but also the smell of kiwi.
Typical symptoms for kiwi allergy:
- burning in the mouth;
- swelling and swelling of the tongue, lips, larynx;
- sensation of "bumps" in the throat;
- redness of the mucosa, itching, cracks;
- dermatosis of the larynx;
- hives;
- rash on the skin;
- vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- constipation;
- stomach ache;
- sneezing;
- headache;
- heat;
- coryza;
- cough;
- hoarseness;
- dyspnea;
- sleep disorders;
- dizziness;
- low blood pressure.
Symptoms of kiwi allergy can occur immediately after eating fruit, and may appear after a while. And any of these symptoms could cause even a small piece of cake or a spoon of fruit salad, which included kiwi.
To localize the allergy to kiwi and a little to remove the symptoms, any antihistamine drug will do. Very often, for the removal of severe symptoms of allergies, Diphenhydramine injections are used, but tablets should not be used, since they start acting late. As a systematic treatment of the symptoms of kiwi allergy, syrups, ointments, tinctures, powders are used. But in the treatment it is very important not to undermine the liver and if possible to take medications that will protect it.
It is very important not only to eliminate the symptoms of kiwi allergy, but also to prevent their reappearance. To do this, you need to seek medical help.
Kiwi allergy in adults
When identifying these characteristics, you should stop using kiwi and any of its derivatives. It should be understood that kiwi is often added to different salads, confectionery, sweets.
An allergy to kiwi in adults is the reaction of the immune system to a stimulus, a substance that is present in the fruit. Adult allergies are very important to find out the true cause of inadequate behavior of the body. For these purposes, allergic tests are made, the data obtained will be able to say exactly if there is an allergy to kiwi in adults.
In addition to allergies to kiwi, adults are very often allergic to nuts, pollen from plants and trees, carrots, milk and much more. Also, problems with the body can cause and cereal crops. With allergies to kiwi, it is recommended to completely exclude from the diet citrus fruits and foods that contain a high dose of vitamin C. Kiwi allergy in adults is associated with the immune system reaction to aspirin and salicylates. Therefore, in addition to allergies to exotic fruits, rashes and puffiness may occur when using peaches, tomatoes, berries, plums or cucumbers.
To conduct research on the allergy to kiwi can be at any time, for this it is enough to pass tests for allergens and pass a blood test. Do not forget about antihistamines, which can remove allergy symptoms. Note that the higher the level of specific antibodies in the blood, the more acute and complex the allergy is.
Cross reactions to kiwi fruit
Cross reactions to kiwi exist, as well as many other products. With allergies to kiwi, allergy doctors recommend not using nuts, and their different types, especially hazelnuts. Bananas, pineapples, papaya, and many other exotic fruits are not desirable. If there was an allergic reaction to kiwi, you should exercise some caution and care when you try a new exotic fruit.
The child is allergic to kiwi
Doctors-allergists do not recommend eating kiwi to young children, up to the age of five to six years, and advised to avoid it in any form. Acute allergic reactions to kiwi in children are highly probable, so virtually all pediatricians warn young parents that young children should not eat kiwi, in children kiwi can cause even an anaphylactic shock.
If the child is allergic to kiwi or an allergic reaction to any product, the parents panic. It has been scientifically proven that the causes of anxiety due to an allergic reaction to kiwi have a basis, since the fruit can cause a severe allergy.
The greatest chance to get an allergy to kiwi is in children who are under five years old. A scientific experiment was conducted, in which hundreds of volunteers, including children, participated. It was found that an allergy to kiwi appeared in 70% of children. Important is the fact that the children used the fruit for the first time in their lives, but they still became hostages of allergies. At the child the allergy on kivi is shown in the form of puffiness of tongue, a dermatosis of a throat and a throat, otdyshki and a strong cough. Scientists say that the allergy to kiwi causes fruit juice and protein, which is in kiwi.
If before the kiwi was an exotic rare fruit, now it can be purchased at any time of the year and at any store. According to statistics, one kid out of ten, I'm sure that his favorite fruit is kiwi. But this is no reason to forget about the potential danger of allergens that are in the fruit. Therefore, the attitude towards fruit consumption should be extremely cautious.
Diagnosis of kiwi allergy
To diagnose allergy to kiwi, you can only study the symptoms. So, 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. Pay attention, if you start allergy symptoms, then 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 correct diagnosis of kiwi allergy is itching, which leads to a malfunction of the immune system and the exhaustion of the child's body.
Timely diagnosis of allergy to kiwi can quickly eliminate the symptoms of the disease and cure allergies, preventing its occurrence in the future.
For the diagnosis of kiwi allergy, a blood test is performed. Blood for allergens is examined at any time, for this procedure, no special preparation is required. Abolition of antihistamines is also not required: they can not affect the results of the diagnosis in any way.
With the help of tests it is possible to determine how concentrated the antibodies in the serum are. If the course of the disease is acute, then specific IgE will be observed in large numbers. Under normal conditions, antibodies will either not be observed at all, or their number will be minimal.
Also for the diagnosis of kiwi allergy, the method of skin tests is used. What technology is right for you and corresponds to the individual characteristics of your body, is determined by the attending physician-allergist.
Treatment of allergies to kiwi
Treatment of allergies to kiwifruit should be timely. There are several ways that you can diagnose and cure allergies. The person who first encountered allergy symptoms, can confuse the disease with other diseases. So, an allergy to kiwi, in its symptoms similar to infectious diseases, scabies or psoriasis. Treatment of allergies to kiwi 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, that is, an inoculation that prepares the body for allergens. During immunotherapy, allergens are administered to the patient in small doses. This allows the body to produce antibodies that block harmful substances in kiwi and prevent them from influencing the body. As a rule, after such an immunotherapy course a person does not have an allergy to kiwi and other allergens.
- Treatment of allergy to kiwi is carried out and medicines. For treatment, antihistamines are used, such as cetrine, claritin, xyzal and others. With regard to the duration of treatment, it depends on the symptoms of the disease and can be from one to two weeks to a couple of months. There are proven drugs that can cure allergies to kiwi. These are taileeds, kromoglin and other preparations based on cromoglycic acid.
- You can treat allergy to kiwi and surgical methods that help to ease the disease. The most effective method of surgical treatment is extracorporal hemocorrection or gravitational surgery. This method allows you to deal with any allergy, including allergies to kiwi due to the adjustment of blood composition. From the infected with allergens of blood, the factors that cause allergenic diseases and immunodeficiency are removed.
The most effective fashion for treating allergies to kiwi is the complete elimination of the allergen from the diet. Exotic kiwi can always be replaced with fruits and foods that contain the same vitamins and minerals. To appoint the treatment of an allergy to kiwi, which will be correct and help get rid of the disease, only a professional doctor will help.
In case of an allergic reaction to kiwi, of course, first of all it is necessary to stop using this exotic fruit and finish contact with the allergen as soon as possible (until the kiwi is not even with you in the same room, because an allergy to kiwi can manifest itself even from its smell). Immediately the patient should take one of the antihistamines antiallergic drugs (it is appropriate to take zirtek, telfast, tavegil, suprastin, etc., now the list of antihistamines sold in each pharmacy is quite extensive).
Zirtek is released in drops and in a tablet. One tablet and one milliliter of drop solution (20 drops) contain 10 mg of active cetirizine active ingredient. Zirtek is taken orally without binding to the time of ingestion, washed down with water in a small amount. Adults and children after twelve years with the manifestation of an allergy to kiwi recommended taking one tablet or 20 drops of the solution. Young children aged 6 months - 2 years - 5 drops, 2 - 6 years - 10 drops.
Such a drug as Telfast for allergy to kiwi adults and children over 12 years of age use one tablet (120 or 180 mg) once a day. Acceptance of the drug does not depend on food, the tablet is washed down with enough water. Small children under six years of age usually do not take the drug, from 6 to 11 years Telfast is prescribed in a dosage of 30 mg twice a day.
Recall that it is best to consult with an allergist doctor, if possible, to consult your allergist, who will be able to assess your state of dosage individually, based on your body's characteristics, the history of your illnesses and allergic reactions.
The second of your actions after taking a drug from the antihistamine series should be the elimination of local symptoms: if there is skin itch, then to lubricate the affected areas use salicylic alcohol or other alcohol tincture. If the patient has an anti-inflammatory shock or Quincke's edema, then before the ambulance arrives, it is necessary to ensure as much as possible that air reaches the lungs of the patient. Pungent smells only increase bronchospasm. The best help to the injured is the injection of adrenaline (its emergency doctors do the first on arrival, along with this, prednisolone is injected intravenously).
Kiwi and cosmetics allergy
In medical practice, cases are known where cosmetic products containing kiwifruit extract have caused allergic reactions and caused skin rash and itching on the face, body or head (depending on the cosmetic agent 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.
Prevention of kiwi allergy
If you have an allergy to kiwi, naturally, you should exclude it from your diet. It is worth paying attention to dishes that can contain kiwi fruit salads, cakes, cakes. It should be remembered that even a small piece of kiwi can cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, follow, because sometimes extracts of kiwi can be contained, for example, in sweets, marmalade, cream, etc. And even with the use of this fruit in such a form it can manifest an allergy to kiwi fruit.
Prevention of allergy to kiwi starts from the complete elimination of the allergen from the diet. It is also necessary to seek help from an allergist who will help diagnose kiwi allergy. Prevention should include a hapoallergenic diet. The purpose of the diet is to completely eliminate from the diet products with a high content of allergens, which are also in kiwi. If after the prophylaxis the allergy again will make itself felt, then from the ration it is necessary to exclude also the allergenic products. Follow these rules of nutrition should be within a month.
That is, the prevention of kiwi allergy is not only of therapeutic value, but also performs diagnostic properties. Overcome the allergy to kiwi can and gradually accustoming the body to an allergen.
Kiwi allergy is a disease that causes a lot of questions. Since it is very difficult to detect an allergy to such an exotic fruit. We hope that the above described symptoms of kiwi allergy, methods of treatment and methods of prevention will help you.