Banana Allergy

Banana is a filling fruit that is among the healthy snacks. Most people use bananas as their first food when their babies start eating solid food. Banana is a food rich in vitamins A, B, C, fiber and iron. Some people have an allergic reaction to bananas. Banana allergy is generally not common and occurs in very few people. Banana allergy usually develops due to a latex allergy. This is because; This is because the latex-producing proteins in rubber trees are similar to the proteins found in bananas. This syndrome is known as latex food syndrome or latex fruit allergy.

Banana Allergy and Cross Reaction

Banana allergy cross-reacts with allergens from other sources. Banana trees and rubber trees have similar proteins, so people who are allergic to latex will also react to bananas. This situation is called cross reaction. People who are allergic to latex are probably also allergic to bananas. In addition, the same applies to kiwi, chestnut and avocado. While banana allergy may be due to latex, it may also be due to birch pollen. People with pollen allergies can often react to certain foods. There are risk groups in which banana allergy may occur.

Some of these risk factors include:

• Allergy to anything else, including foods, pollens, or other plants Asthma,
• Those with a history of eczema and atopic dermatitis,
• Those with a history of oral allergy syndrome with a food,
• Family history of allergy to bananas.

Banana Allergy Symptoms

In people with banana allergy, symptoms usually appear immediately or 1 hour after eating the banana. While symptoms may be mild, they may also be severe in some people. The symptoms of banana allergy can be detailed as follows:

Mouth Itching Itching; It starts on the lips, tongue and throat and can be severe. Within a few minutes, the eyes and skin also begin to itch.

Swelling
Following itching, swelling occurs in the body. Swelling is also common, as is itching. If symptoms appear only in the mouth, it is called oral allergy syndrome. Swelling of the eyes and face may occur, causing pain.

Respiratory Problems
Inflammation in the airways narrows the airways and causes swelling; It can affect the tongue, throat and sinus areas. As a result of this situation, difficulty in swallowing and breathing may occur. These symptoms can even lead to heart problems. Symptoms such as wheezing and sneezing may be among the symptoms of respiratory problems.

Stomach ache
Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in banana allergies. Pain and indigestion may occur minutes after eating a banana. Many people also experience vomiting and diarrhea.

Sudden Shock
Banana allergies can cause sudden drops in blood pressure, which can lead to sudden seizures. Breathing problems reduce oxygen levels, causing anaphylaxis (allergic shock) and subsequent shock. This is a very serious condition and requires immediate medical attention.

Banana Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment

If you experience any of the symptoms of banana allergy, you should consult an allergist without delay. An allergist is the most competent person who can diagnose whether you have a banana allergy or not. To diagnose banana allergy, your specialist will ask you about your medical history and family history. Following this, some tests may be performed for diagnosis. These tests may include a skin prick test or a blood test. If an allergy is diagnosed as a result of the tests, an allergy management plan will need to be prepared. Since banana allergies are due to cross-reactivity, there will be some foods and substances you should stay away from. Your allergist will give you information about substances that may cause an allergic reaction. The best treatment for allergies is to stay away from the allergen that causes the allergic reaction. However, this may not always be possible and you may be exposed to the allergen without realizing it. To minimize the symptoms of an allergic reaction, your allergist may recommend antihistamine medications. These medications will reduce the discomfort caused by the symptoms. If you are at risk of having a severe allergic reaction, your allergist will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector for you. Your specialist will inform you about the situations in which this auto-injector should be used and how to use it.