Causes of allergy to garlic, ways of fighting

In this article we will talk about allergic intolerance to garlic. What is characteristic for such a reaction? What are the signs of an allergy to garlic? How to deal with the pathological phenomenon? Can an allergy to garlic be dangerous to health? We will try to answer these and other questions below.

Causes of

Does garlic allergy? This product can indeed lead to incorrect food reactions of the body. The reason is the presence in its composition of a specific substance of alliin-lyase. When a substance enters the gastrointestinal tract, the immune system begins to demonstrate the non-acceptance of such an element. In most cases, a negative reaction is noted only when you use garlic in raw, unprocessed form.

As you know, the presented plant is used in folk medicine as an effective antiseptic. However, people who are prone to food allergies often have to give up such a product for the treatment or prevention of infectious diseases.

Allergy to garlic occurs when the body mistakenly perceives alliin-lyase as a pathogenic substance that is hazardous to health. The result is the flow into the blood of a significant number of immunoglobulins, which begin to fight with such an allergen. Antibodies actively produce histamine, which leads to the manifestation of allergy symptoms.

In some situations, there are abnormal reactions of the body to the aroma of garlic. Volatile substances in which alliin-lyase is contained contact the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs, which results in excessive irritation of the tissues.

Allergy: symptoms in adults and children

Signs of development of abnormal reactions to the presented irritant can be a variety of symptoms. So, the symptoms are allergic to garlic:

• inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, periodic sneezing, rhinitis, filling the nasal sinuses with fluid;
• sensation of a whipping in the throat, desires for coughing, swelling of the respiratory tract, shortness of breath;
• conjunctivitis, redness of the eyeball, increased lachrymation, edema of the eyelids, feeling of eyes rub in bright light;
• appearance of skin rashes throughout the body, the formation of epidermis of blisters filled with a transparent substance;
• indigestion: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn;
• increased body temperature;
• decrease in blood pressure.

The considered allergen can affect the malfunctioning of a number of organs and systems.

What is the risk of an allergy to garlic for children?

Uneven body of kids is not always able to adequately respond to manifestations of allergies. Even with the inhalation of the scent of garlic on the body of the child, rashes may occur, which differ in a bright pink tinge. The next itching, brings a lot of discomfort. The exposure of the allergen to the mucous membranes of the airways often leads to edema of the larynx, the development of pain syndrome when swallowing, dyspnea.

Danger is also caused by an incorrect reaction from the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, parents should protect the baby from eating dishes with garlic.

Diagnosis

To confirm a disappointing diagnosis, the patient's complaints about the negative effects of contact with garlic are not enough. It is extremely important to collect a comprehensive medical history. An important role is played by special tests that confirm or refute the allergic reaction to the presented stimulus.

One of the most reliable methods of diagnosis is the skin test. The essence of the procedure is to perform several incisions of the skin in the region of the upper limb. Here, individual allergens are dripped from the pipettes, and then the reactions of the organism are noted. Based on the test results, one can draw conclusions about hypersensitivity to substances in the composition of garlic or any other stimulus.

The second effective decision to confirm the diagnosis is the study of blood for the concentration in its structure of immunoglobulin E. It is the antibodies of this group that provoke the appearance of allergy symptoms. It is worth noting that the method has no contraindications, and the results of the analysis are extremely reliable.

Medication Therapy

In addition to excluding garlic from the diet, a variety of pharmacological agents may be prescribed for the treatment of allergies. Most often, people who suffer from this problem are prescribed antihistamines. Among the most effective medicines of this category are Suprastin, Tavegil, Klotoradin, Claritin, Zodak. However, such medications have a number of side effects in the form of development of drowsiness, inhibition of the nervous system. Therefore, you should not resort to unauthorized use of these drugs. In order not to have unnecessary problems with health, it is worthwhile to consult an allergist in advance.

There are many good medicines combined action. We are talking about such drugs as Telfast, Zirtek, Allegra. Active substances in their composition neutralize allergens, in a short time they are removed from the body and prevent the occurrence of swelling of tissues.

In order to quickly absorb allergens in the intestine, enterosorbents are used: "Polysorb", "Polyphepan", activated carbon, "Enterosgel".Such medicines contribute to the purification of blood, facilitate the reaction of the digestive organs to irritants.

Some external agents help to correct abnormal reactions from the skin. We are talking about the drugs "Lokoid" and "Sinaflan".In the most dangerous for health, severe situations, corticosteroid drugs "Hydrocortisone" and "Prednisolone" are prescribed. The latter is recommended to be used only after consulting a doctor.

Folk methods of treatment

With negative skin reactions to the allergen in the composition of garlic, it is necessary to resort to the external use of medicinal herbal decoctions. The most effective for eliminating the rash are medicines prepared on the basis of hops, nettles and elderberries. Such vegetable raw materials are poured with boiling water, infused, and then used as lotions. Quite an effective tool is also considered primrose oil, which effectively removes the symptoms of garlic allergy in adults.

Prevention

The best way to prevent allergy to garlic - to resort to appropriate preventive measures. It is important to protect yourself from contact with such a product. It's not just about excluding garlic from the diet, but also getting rid of tactile contact and inhaling its flavor. It should be ensured that the ingredient is not present in the prepared dishes, which are ordered in a restaurant or purchased in a supermarket.

What should people do that need to include the product in the diet, based on its nutritional and medicinal value? In such situations, a high-quality, long-term heat treatment of the fruits of this plant will prevent allergy to garlic. Thus, it is possible to neutralize alliin-lyase, which is the causative agent of the wrong reactions of the body. Naturally, the impact on garlic high temperature will not allow to save absolutely all the useful substances in the product.

Precautions

Apparently, there are many ways to combat allergy to garlic. That the problem did not make itself felt, it is important to be careful when eating food in which the product may be contained. Kitchen accessories that have ever been used to grind or cook garlic should be well cleaned. To get rid of the appearance of unpleasant symptoms will also allow for periodic airing of the premises.