Honey Allergy
Honey is a natural healing source made by honey bees using nectar from flower plants. Honey also contains amino acids, vitamins and antioxidants. These components make honey a natural source of healing. It is frequently used for cough around the world. Although honey is generally used as a natural treatment for various ailments, some people may develop an allergic reaction to honey. Studies have shown that people who are especially allergic to plant pollens and bee stings have a higher risk of developing honey allergy. An allergic reaction to honey may vary depending on the type of honey. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune mechanism sees the harmless allergen as harmful and is triggered and reacts to protect the body against it.
Honey allergy can occur when honey is eaten and, in some cases, when it comes into contact with honey. When honey is produced, it may be contaminated with the pollen of some trees and plants. These; buckwheat, tulips, sunflowers, eucalyptus, willow and oak. If you are allergic to pollen, you may also be allergic to certain types of honey. In general, it is the pollen that causes honey allergy rather than the honey itself.
Honey allergy is a very rare allergy and is more common in children.
Honey Allergy Symptoms
While the symptoms of honey allergy may sometimes appear only on the skin surface, sometimes they manifest themselves as symptoms that affect the body in general. Honey allergy can also have very serious symptoms.
Symptoms of honey allergy can be listed as follows:
- runny nose,
- Sneeze,
- Swelling,
- itchy eyes,
- Watery eyes,
- itchy throat,
- skin rash,
- Hives,
- Skin swelling.
Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the allergy. More serious symptoms include:
- Headache,
- Wheezing,
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- Diarrhea,
- Fainting,
- irregular heartbeat,
- Anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis; It is a life-threatening condition that can cause very serious consequences. In case of anaphylaxis, immediate medical attention is required.
Honey Allergy and Cross Reaction
Cross-reactivity may occur in people with pollen allergies. A large proportion of people with oral allergy syndrome or pollen food allergy may develop sensitivity to allergens found in fresh vegetables and fruits. Oral allergy syndrome is a term used for hypersensitivity that occurs with symptoms felt in the mouth. For example, some people who are allergic to birch pollen may experience symptoms such as itching, swelling, abdominal pain and nausea when eating fruits such as apples, pears and cherries. The same thing happens with honey allergy. During honey production, it is contaminated with the pollen of some trees and plants.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Honey Allergy
If you experience symptoms of honey allergy, you should see an allergist without delay. Allergists are the most competent experts who specialize in the field of allergy and diagnose and treat allergic reactions. Your allergist will determine whether you have allergies using the appropriate test and method based on your symptoms and current condition. If you are allergic to honey, the most effective treatment method is to stay away from honey and all foods containing honey.
The increasing use of honey may make it difficult for you to stay away from it. For this reason, you need to have detailed information about the ingredients of the food you eat. When buying packaged foods, you should examine the ingredients they contain. Honey is a food that is frequently used in desserts, pies, buns and cakes. You should be careful when eating these foods and get detailed information about the ingredients from the person who prepared the food.
Depending on the severity of your allergy, your allergist may prescribe antihistamic medications. These medications will relieve the symptoms caused by the allergic reaction and provide you with relief. Your allergist may prescribe an adrenaline auto-injector for immediate intervention in severe reactions to honey allergies.
Your allergist will inform you about how to use the Adrenaline auto-injector and the situations in which it should be used.
