Allergy has become a real "plague" of our time. To the familiar list of products and substances that cause the immunopathological process, new ones are constantly added. Allergy to rice is not a common phenomenon; it is detected in 5% of the total number of people suffering from severe hypersensitivity. A pathological process can occur in any person, therefore it will be useful to know about its symptoms and methods of therapy.
Allergy concept
Allergy is an increased hypersensitivity of the immune system to a substance caused by a change in its reactivity. Allergic reactions are called clinical manifestations of sensitivity.
With allergies, antibodies are produced in the body - immunoglobulins E. When they cause high sensitivity, they are called allergens. Sensitivity is characterized by strong immunoglobulin E stimulation of mast cells (white blood cells that are part of the neuroimmune system) and basophils, which goes into inflammation. The clinical manifestations of the inflammatory response can be very different: from a runny nose and itching to anaphylactic shock.
Unusual allergies
Allergies are a common disease. Even those who do not suffer from hypersensitivity have relatives or friends with this pathology. Almost everyone knows that allergies are most often caused by plant pollen, dust, citrus fruits, household chemicals, as well as most drugs.
The allergic process is fully associated with the immune system, which adapts to the surrounding environment. In countries where citrus fruits grow, people from childhood consume oranges and tangerines, so they are rarely allergic. Palm oil does not cause a negative reaction in people who constantly consume it.
There is another problem. In connection with the constantly deteriorating ecology, unusual pathological conditions develop, including types of allergic reactions. So, in the UK, doctors were interested in an unusual case: a woman went to the hospital complaining that after contact with any liquid, even tears, a rash appeared on her skin, accompanied by swelling and itching.
Hypersensitivity to latex, biological fluid: saliva, sperm are rare. There is also an allergy to rice or buckwheat. Due to the fact that such phenomena are rare, doctors sometimes make the wrong diagnosis. Inadequate therapy contributes to the transition of pathology into a chronic form.
Could there be an allergy to rice?
An abnormal reaction of an organism to certain products arises due to its individual characteristics. Rice has long become a familiar product in the diet of not only people in Asia. Cereal is very satisfying, it contains a lot of useful trace elements, so it is included in the diet, medical and children's menu.
Can rice cause allergies? In principle, any product can cause an immunopathological process. Any substance is a mixture. The allergy is caused not by the product itself, but by its components - maybe one component or several. In most cases, in the future it will be necessary to exclude or drastically limit the consumption of all products that contain components that cause the immunopathological process. Otherwise, cross-allergy to rice may develop, that is, hypersensitivity to substances similar in composition to cereal.
Causes of an allergic reaction to rice
Most cereals contain gluten (gluten). This type of protein is not necessary for humans, so the body often perceives the component as foreign, which contributes to the development of allergies. Rice does not contain gluten, but it contains other protein compounds, to which the body is very sensitive.
Orizenin - a protein, like gluten, belongs to glutelins. The main feature of these compounds is that they are insoluble in water. With improper nutrition, for example, insufficient fluid intake, the body begins to perceive foods with oryzenine as dangerous. As a result, the immune system is activated, allergies develop.
Lysine is an aliphatic amino acid. The substance is not synthesized by the body, but is necessary. The protein compound is capable of exerting an antiviral effect. During illness, such properties of the amino acid further enhance the functioning of the immune system, which increases the number of antibodies that cause hypersensitivity.
There are other causes of rice allergies:
- Sensitivity to chemicals used to process cereals during cultivation, storage and transportation.
- Unbalanced diet. Rice cannot fully provide the body with nutrients. The lack of certain trace elements causes various diseases. The probability of developing an allergy in a sick person is much higher than in a healthy person.
- Lack of fluid. With insufficient water consumption, rice is poorly absorbed. The body spends a lot of energy on processing cereals, in addition, it uses reserve reserves of fluid, which negatively affects health.
Why are adults allergic to rice?
In adults, the immunopathological process in most cases is acquired. The following factors influence its occurrence:
- The presence of chronic diseases. With age, the protective properties of the body lose the ability to completely resist all negative factors from the outside. And internal factors, such as protracted recurrent pathologies, further worsen the functioning of the immune system.
- Bad habits. The abuse of alcohol and tobacco contribute to the development of allergies. In addition, alcohol and cigarettes negatively affect all organs and systems, including the immune system. Due to the poor functioning of the immune system, abnormal reactions develop in the body.
- In adults, an allergy to rice may develop due to professional activities. Farmers often have a sensitivity to the plants they grow. Especially strongly manifested reactions during flowering and harvesting. Also, people involved in transporting rice or working in an enterprise for its processing are allergic.
Hypersensitivity to cereal in children
The main cause of an allergy to rice in a child is a hereditary predisposition. If the mother is prone to pathology, the risk of her appearance in children is very high. The list of mandatory tests during pregnancy even includes a study on antibodies of immunoglobulin E. The reasons for the development of allergies in childhood include:
- The abuse of products that cause the immunopathological process during pregnancy. Allergenic foods, especially in large quantities, provoke the production of antibodies. The placental barrier can not cope if their number is too large, and antibodies enter the fetal blood. A baby is born with hypersensitivity.
- Immaturity of the digestive system in a child. The development of allergies is most often caused by early complementary foods, improper preparation of the product or its poor quality.
- A child consumes a large amount of rice. Some mothers, having read about the benefits of this cereal, put the child on a rice diet. Children eat soup, porridge, cookies, etc. from it, an excess of the product contributes to the development of allergies.
Breastfeeding Allergy
During pregnancy, the woman’s body is completely rebuilt, and then again after birth. All this is a natural physiological process, but changes occur in too short a time, moreover, twice. Reorganization leaves a mark on the health of the mother.
Allergy to rice with HS (breastfeeding) is very rare, therefore, little attention is paid to the problem undeservedly. With breast milk, quite a lot of substances are excreted, including antibodies. If an allergic reaction occurs, consult your doctor. A woman will have to undergo a course of therapy. But some drugs can have a negative effect on the baby's health, so during the treatment you will have to abandon natural feeding. In addition, women prone to allergies should more closely monitor their diet.
Dog Allergy
For many, pets are like family members. The owners are happy with their playful mood and are upset if the dog or cat starts to get sick. Most diseases in dogs are the same as in humans. Only due to the anatomical features of the pathology have a different course, and other methods of therapy are applied to animals. The main reason for the development of an allergy to rice in a dog is the substances that process the cereal. But in some breeds, for example, West Highland White Terriers, the substances that make up the cereal cause an immunopathological process.
Often an allergy to rice appears in puppies for the same reason as in children - the immaturity of the food system. When the animal grows up, the problem itself goes away.
Symptoms
Symptoms with an allergy to rice are the same as with any other, which makes diagnosis very difficult. Sometimes it takes a very long time to find out what exactly causes the pathological process. Clinical manifestations of allergies can be general or local.
- sneezing, swelling of the nasal mucosa;
- increased lacrimation, redness of the eyes, pain;
- the appearance of red spots in various places, often in the ulnar folds of the lower extremities and abdomen;
- itching and swelling of the skin in places where spots appeared;
- shortness of breath, prolonged cough.
Over time, the pathological process occurs on any products similar to cereal. In addition, the symptoms become more pronounced.
How is the diagnosis
There are several ways to diagnose allergies in fig. All of them are the same as with other types of hypersensitivity.
- Physical examination. First of all, it is necessary to examine the patient and make sure that the spots are allergic. The doctor finds out the probability of a hereditary predisposition, asks about the patient’s nutrition and lifestyle, about the presence of chronic pathologies.
- Blood ELISA for antibodies of immunoglobulins E. The test determines the number of specific IgE allergens, a general group.
- Radio allergosorbent test. If there is an allergy not only to rice, then the analysis will determine what else causes hypersensitivity.
- Skin tests - applying a small amount of allergen to the patient’s skin to identify the agent. Due to the high probability of serious complications (Quincke's edema), testing in childhood is not conducted.
Therapies
Initially, the doctor identifies the causes and symptoms of allergies in Fig. Treatment is prescribed according to the results of a survey and examination. The treatment methods for all types of immunopathological process are the same.
The most reliable and effective treatment is to eliminate contact with rice. Cereal does not contain any special substances, it can be easily replaced, and the body will not suffer from this. In some cases, it is enough to limit its consumption.
The use of antihistamines and enterosorbents. Medications are prescribed individually depending on age, characteristics of the patient's body, the course of the pathological process. Therapy in childhood should be carried out only under the supervision of a pediatrician.
Prevention
The basis for the prevention of allergies to rice, buckwheat and other foods is their limited consumption. Any product in large quantities can cause a negative reaction of the body.
You should buy only high-quality proven cereals. Rice in broken packaging cannot be bought, rodents could get in there. Mice are carriers of most diseases, many of which are significantly more dangerous than allergies.
Equally important is the strengthening of immunity. A healthy body is able to adequately respond to any stimuli.
Conclusion
Rice allergies are rare. It can develop in both adults and children. The problem is quite serious and requires an immediate solution. If characteristic symptoms occur, you must visit a doctor.