Grape Allergy
Grapes are an antioxidant-rich fruit that grows in clusters and reduces the risk of various types of cancer. Grapes also prevent constipation and high blood pressure. In addition to these benefits, some people may develop an allergic reaction to grapes. Grape allergy occurs when a person's immune system mistakenly identifies food as a foreign and potentially harmful substance. The immune system creates antibodies to grapes, known as immunoglobulin E or IgE. The next time a person eats red grapes or grape products, IgE reacts to the food and causes the release of chemicals that result in allergic reaction symptoms.
Grape Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms of grape allergy may vary from person to person. Symptoms of grape allergy, which can have serious or mild symptoms, appear shortly after consuming grapes.
These symptoms are:
- Eye allergy; redness of the eyes
- Skin allergy; redness; swelling, itching and eczema
- Respiratory problems; asthma, shortness of breath, wheezing.
- Nasal allergy; allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion, watery nose, etc.
- Oral symptoms; itching in the mouth, tingling of the gums and tongue.
- Some serious symptoms; dizziness, headache, blurred vision…
Anaphylaxis; It is a condition that requires urgent medical attention and may pose a life risk.
Cross Reaction in Grape Allergy
Cross reaction; Your immune system may perceive foods with a protein structure similar to the food you are allergic to. Perceiving these foods as the same and harmful by the immune system causes a cross-reaction. People who are allergic to grapes may also be allergic to other foods in the Rosacae family.
These foods are:
- Blackberry,
- loganberry,
- Raspberry,
- Rosehip,
- Strawberry.
Foods that may cause cross-reactions in people with grape allergies include:
- Asparagus,
- Cabbage,
- Celery,
- Cherry,
- Chestnut,
- Cucumber,
- Aubergine,
- Fennel,
- Fig,
- Kiwi,
- Lettuce,
- lupine,
- Sweetcorn,
- Mulberry,
- Mustard,
- Orange,
- Peanut,
- Pineapple,
- Tomatoes,
- Hazelnut tree.
People with grape allergies may be sensitive to grapevine pollen, so olives and olive oil may be a potential trigger.
Diagnosing and Treating Grape Allergy
If you have experienced grape allergy symptoms or suspect that you may have a grape allergy, you should see an allergist. Allergy specialists; They are the most competent doctors who specialize in allergies and can make a definitive allergy diagnosis. To diagnose grape allergy, your allergist may perform a skin prick test or blood test. In the skin test, a very small amount of a grape allergen is placed under your skin. If there is redness or blistering in this area, it can be concluded that you have allergies. The blood test looks at the amount of antibodies your body produces for grape allergy. The tests or methods your allergist will use may vary depending on your current condition and symptoms. Your allergist can also perform the necessary tests and examinations regarding foods that may cause cross-reactivity. If you have a grape allergy, you will need to stay away from grapes and anything containing grapes. The most effective treatment for food allergies is to stay away from the food that causes the allergic reaction. The use of grapes in many different places can be a bit challenging. If you wish, you can prepare a nutrition program with an allergist. An effective nutrition plan will enable you to manage and keep your allergies under control.
