Allergic reactions are intolerance to certain types of products by the body. The disease can begin to bother both from childhood and at a more mature age - at 30, 40 or even 50 years.
Any product can provoke it. Very often there is a reaction to the consumption of citrus and other fruits. In this case, the causes of allergies, as well as its symptoms, may differ in adults and children.
Causes of allergies to citrus in children
Any allergy develops due to certain malfunctions in the human immune system, as a result of which inflammatory mediators begin to develop . In the case of citrus fruits, the situation is exacerbated by the presence of salicylates, benzoates, amines in them, since they contribute to the release of histamine, which provokes the body's reaction.
An allergy to citrus in children can be in the case of:
- Heredity. In this case, an allergy to citrus fruits is transmitted to the child before his birth.
- Malfunctions in the functioning of the immune system. As a result of these failures, the body does not respond correctly to the protein of the consumed product (antigen) and an allergic reaction occurs.
- Eating a large number of fruits in a short period of time.
Typically, an allergy to citrus fruits is combined with intolerance to one or more types of foods.
Causes of Citrus Allergy in Adults
Citrus allergies in adults are usually associated with other causes. Intolerance to these fruits is often associated with diseases of the stomach, liver, or dysbiosis.
The only thing that can provoke the appearance of allergies in both a child and an adult is an overdose of citrus fruits. Therefore, eating them is within reason.
Citrus Allergy: Symptoms in Children
In childhood, allergies in most cases arise due to food intolerance to certain foods. In this case, a combination of the following symptoms may be observed (all or several at once):
- The appearance of a rash on the face or body. It can be in the form of small dots or spots.
- Diathesis. It manifests itself in the form of severe redness of the cheeks (in some cases, and the chin).
- Sneezing and mucous discharge.
- Redness of the eyes.
- Pain syndrome.
- Severe itching on the skin.
- The appearance of dry cough, which is in the nature of attacks.
In more complex cases, flatulence, colic in the abdomen, vomiting or diarrhea, lack of appetite can be observed.
In order not to aggravate the situation even more, it is necessary to immediately exclude from the diet the product that caused the allergic reaction.
How is an allergy to citrus fruits in adults
Allergies can occur not only during the consumption of citrus fruits, but also during the inhalation of their smell. Enzymes of the fetus settle on the mucous membranes of the nose or mouth and cause irritation, which manifests itself in the form of a dry cough or sneezing.
Citrus facial allergies can occur in people with contact dermatitis. This occurs as a result of the fetus coming into contact with the skin or while using natural cosmetics with citrus extracts.
In most cases, an allergy to citrus fruits in adults is manifested in the form of conjunctivitis or acute rhinitis.
If an allergy was triggered by malfunctions in the digestive system, then reactions to the skin in the form of a rash and severe itching can be observed.
If an allergic reaction causes an asthma attack, dizziness, swelling in the face, severe weakness, you must immediately call an ambulance!
Diagnosis of Citrus Allergy
Diagnosis is based on a collected medical history, laboratory tests, and clinical presentation.
Be sure to trace the relationship between the consumption of a possible allergen (in this case, citrus) and the occurrence of allergic reactions. In addition, skin samples are taken, which are compared with the enzymes of orange, mandarin and lemon to make sure that the allergy arose specifically for these, and not any other products.
Allergy During Pregnancy
Any allergy in pregnant women requires special attention and treatment. During this period, self-medication is strictly forbidden by both medical and folk remedies! Only an experienced doctor will be able to prescribe antihistamines that will help the expectant mother and not harm her baby.
At the same time, one should not forget about an important fact: excessive consumption of citrus fruits during pregnancy can subsequently cause allergic reactions to them in the child. This does not mean that you need to abandon this product. Just use it is necessary in moderation - no more than two fruits at a time.
Medication for Citrus Allergy
Before starting treatment for allergies, it is worth eliminating the product that provoked its appearance. At the same time, it is important not only not to eat it, but also completely remove it from home, since allergic reactions can occur not only as a result of application to food, but also during inhalation of the aroma of the fetus (this was mentioned above).
After this, you need to see a doctor who will confirm that this is really an allergy to citrus fruits. The treatment is carried out using the following drugs:
1. Antihistamines.
Most often, medicines based on cromoglycic acid are prescribed (Cromoglin, Narcon). In addition, such drugs against allergies as Zirtek, Claritin, Kestin are popular.
The course of therapy using these agents can reach three months.
2. Enterosorbents.
Their reception is required in case of allergies against the background of disorders of the digestive system. The drugs will help to quickly remove toxins from the body and reduce the inflammatory response.
The most famous and inexpensive sorbents: activated carbon and Smecta.
3. Ointments.
Medicinal ointments and creams help remove irritation from the skin, reduce itching and redness, and have a healing effect.
Most often, Celestoderm or Elok is prescribed.
4. Hormonal drugs.
They are used only as directed by a doctor and in exceptional cases. It concerns situations when antihistamines have not brought absolutely any effect.
The course of treatment with hormonal drugs is selected the most minimal.
In addition to the basic means for eliminating allergic reactions, an additional course is carried out to adjust the body's immune response using immunomodulators and vitamins.
Folk remedies for the treatment of allergies
The main treatment for allergies should be with medications and with the complete elimination of the irritant. At the same time, there are folk remedies that will help to quickly get rid of concomitant signs of the disease and strengthen the immune system as a whole.
1. Japanese honeysuckle.
For treatment, a decoction of the plant is cooked. It is necessary to take it in a course.
2. Nettle.
A spoonful of nettle should be poured with a glass of boiled water and insisted for one hour. The resulting broth must be drunk throughout the day. It helps to cleanse the blood, reduce skin rashes and strengthen the immune system.
3. Honey, propolis.
An allergy to citrus fruits is often treated with bee products. But in this situation, it is important to consider that they are also strong allergens, so during treatment it is important to carefully monitor changes in health.
4. Mumiyo.
One gram of mumiyo must be diluted in a liter of water and drink the resulting solution within one day. A maximum of two glasses per day will be sufficient for children.
Such therapy takes one month.
Treatment of allergies with folk remedies often takes a lot of time. Therefore, between the courses of taking infusions and decoctions of herbs, it is important not to forget to take at least minimal breaks of 1-2 weeks in length.
Usually, an allergy completely disappears in the absence of contact with citrus fruits for 6 months. You can verify this by eating several slices of fruit. As a rule, allergy symptoms no longer occur. It remains only to further monitor the amount of product consumed.
If the allergy returned, this indicates any hidden problems of the body, therefore, to identify them, you need to undergo a full examination.