Garlic Allergy
Garlic is a food from the lily family, known for its health benefits, adding taste and aroma to dishes and widely used in kitchens. However, some viruses may develop a reaction, albeit minimal, to garlic. Garlic allergy occurs when garlic is mistakenly identified as harmful to the healing system. The immune system produces antibodies to resist this substance, which is defined as harmful, and the resulting reactions occur. Since garlic is a member of the lily family, if you are allergic to garlic, you may also be allergic to other foods in the lily family. These are onions, leeks, shallots and chives. In some allergies, the development of the food does not occur. However, in cases of change allergies, dew or separation may cause a change reaction.
Garlic Allergy and Garlic Sensitivity
Garlic allergy and garlic sensitivity are not the same thing. Garlic sensitivity; It may cause indigestion, heartburn, or gas. However, symptoms of garlic allergy may be more severe. Garlic sensitivity is a condition related to the digestive system. Garlic allergy is a condition related to the immune system and symptoms can reach serious levels.
Garlic Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms of garlic allergy usually appear shortly after eating or touching garlic. The symptoms of garlic allergy can be mild or serious.
Symptoms of garlic allergy include:
- Hives,
- skin inflammation,
- Tingling sensation in lips,
- mouth and tongue,
- Nasal congestion or runny nose,
- itchy nose,
- Sneeze,
- Itchy or watery eyes,
- Shortness of breath or wheezing,
- Nausea and vomiting,
- abdominal cramps,
- Diarrhea.
Cross Reactivity and Foods to Avoid
Garlic is part of the lily (allium) family. If you are allergic to garlic, you may also be allergic to other foods in this group. The proteins, or allergens, in these plants are similar to each other, so your immune system may react to any of them. This is known as cross-reactivity.
Other vegetables in this group include:
- onions,
- Leek,
- chives,
- Stye.
Garlic is also commonly used in processed and packaged foods. Some of these are:
- canned soup,
- Boxed rice and pasta,
- frozen appetizers,
- Salad dressing and other sauces.
Garlic is also commonly used in stews and chili, potato dishes, and bread products. Sometimes it is only mentioned as a flavor on package labels and is not listed by name. If in doubt, avoid the foods in question.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Garlic Allergy
To diagnose garlic allergy, your allergist may try various tests and methods. These may include skin prick testing, blood testing, nutrient challenge testing, and elimination dieting. In the skin test, a small amount of allergen is placed on your skin and your reaction to this allergen is observed. If there is a finding in the area where the allergen is located, it can be concluded that you have an allergy. The blood test checks the amount of antibodies your body produces against the allergy. During a food challenge test, your allergist may ask you to gradually introduce garlic. This method should be done under the supervision of an allergist and in a clinic with emergency equipment. In the elimination diet, garlic and all foods containing garlic are eliminated from your diet and the course of your complaints is observed. The most effective method for treating garlic allergy is to eliminate exposure to garlic. If you are not exposed to the allergen, the likelihood of an allergic reaction is minimized. However, sometimes you may be exposed to allergens unintentionally or unknowingly. Your allergist may recommend taking antihistamine medication to relieve symptoms of garlic allergy. Your allergist will prescribe you an adrenaline auto-injector in case you have serious reactions to garlic allergy. Your allergist will inform you about the usage details of this syringe.
