Allergies to citrus in adults and children: causes, symptoms and treatment
Allergic reactions are the body's intolerance to certain types of foods. The illness can begin to bother both from childhood and in a more mature age - at 30, 40 or even 50 years.
Any product can provoke it. Very often there is a reaction to the use of citrus fruits and other fruits. In this case, the causes of allergies, as well as its symptoms may differ in adults and children.
Causes of allergy to citrus in children
Any allergy develops due to certain failures in the human immune system, resulting in the production of mediators of inflammation. In the case of citrus, the situation is aggravated by the presence in them of salicylates, benzoates, amines, since they contribute to the release of histamine, which provokes the body's reaction.
Allergies to citrus in children may be in the case of:
- Heredity. In this case, the allergy to citrus fruits is transmitted to the child even before his birth.
- Failures in the functioning of the immune system. As a result of these failures, the body reacts incorrectly to the protein of the consumed product( antigen) and an allergic reaction occurs.
- Drinking a large number of fruits in a short period of time.
Usually, the allergy to citrus fruits is combined with intolerance to one or more types of foods.
Causes of allergy to citrus in adults
Allergy to citrus fruits in adults is usually associated with other causes. Often intolerance of these fruits is associated with diseases of the stomach, liver or dysbiosis.
The only thing that can trigger the emergence of allergies in both the child and the adult is an overdose of citrus fruits. Therefore, eating them for food costs within reason.
Allergy to citrus: symptoms in children
In childhood, allergies in most cases occur due to food intolerance of certain foods. There may be a combination of the following symptoms( 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 appears as a strong reddening of the cheeks( in some cases, the chin).Sneezing and mucus discharge.
- Red eye.
- Pain syndrome.
- Severe itching on the skin.
- The appearance of a dry cough that is characterized by seizures.
In more complicated cases, flatulence, colic in the abdomen, vomiting or diarrhea, and lack of appetite can be observed.
In order not to aggravate the situation even more, it is necessary to immediately remove the product from the ration that caused an allergic reaction.
Allergies to citrus fruits in adults
Allergies can occur not only when consumed in citrus food, but also during the inhalation of their odor. Fetal enzymes 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.
Allergy to citrus on the face can occur in people suffering from contact dermatitis. This occurs as a result of contact of the fetus with the skin or during the use of natural cosmetics with citrus extracts.
In most cases, the allergy to citrus in adults is manifested in the form of conjunctivitis or acute rhinitis.
If the allergy was triggered by malfunctions in the digestive system, then reactions to the skin in the form of a rash and severe itching may be observed.
If an allergic reaction causes an attack of suffocation, dizziness, swelling in the face, severe weakness, you must immediately call an ambulance!
Diagnosis of citrus allergy
Diagnosis is based on the collected history, laboratory examination and clinical picture.
It is necessary to trace the relationship between eating the possible allergen( in this case citrus) and the occurrence of allergic reactions. In addition, samples are taken from the skin, which are compared with the enzymes of orange, mandarin and lemon, to make sure that the allergy has arisen on 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 both strictly prohibited by both medicamental and folk remedies! Only an experienced doctor will be able to prescribe antihistamines that will help a future mother and do not harm her baby.
At the same time, one should not forget about the important fact: excessive consumption of citrus during the pregnancy can in the future cause allergic reactions to them in the child. This does not mean that you should give up this product. Just use it in moderation - no more than two fruits at a time.
Medication for allergy to citrus fruits
Before you start treatment for allergies, you should remove the product that triggered her appearance. It is important not only not to eat it, but also to remove it completely from the house, since allergic reactions can occur not only as a result of applying to food, but also during the inhalation of the fragrance of the fetus( this has already been mentioned above).
After this, it is necessary to consult a doctor who confirms that this is really allergic to citrus fruits. Treatment is carried out using the following drugs:
1. Antihistamines.
The most commonly prescribed drugs based on cromoglycic acid( "Cromoglin", "Narcon").In addition, such drugs are widely used against allergies, such as Zirtek, Claritin, Kestin.
The course of therapy with these drugs can be up to three months.
2. Enterosorbents.
Their reception is obligatory in case of occurrence of an allergy against the background of disorders of the digestive system. The drugs will help 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 to remove irritation from the skin, reduce itching and redness, and have a healing effect. The most commonly used is "Celestoderm" or "Elokom".
4. Hormonal drugs.
They are used only for the doctor's prescription and in exceptional cases. Concerning this situation, when antihistamines did not bring absolutely no effect.
The course of treatment with hormonal drugs is chosen the most minimal.
In addition to the basic means for eliminating allergic reactions, an additional course is made to correct the immune reaction of the body with the help of immunomodulators and vitamins.
Folk remedies for the treatment of allergies
The main treatment for allergy should occur with the help of medicines and with the complete exclusion of the stimulus. At the same time, there are folk remedies that will help to get rid of the accompanying signs of the disease and strengthen the immune system as a whole.
1. Japanese honeysuckle.
For the treatment, decoction from the plant is cooked. Take it necessary course.
2. Nettle.
The spoon of nettle should be poured into a glass of boiled water and insisted for one hour. The resulting broth should be drunk throughout the day. It helps purify the blood, reduce the rash on the skin and strengthen immunity.
3. Honey, propolis.
Allergy to citrus fruits is often treated with the help of bee products. But in this situation it is important to consider that they are also strong allergens, so it is important to carefully monitor changes in health during treatment.
4. Mumiyo.
One gram of mummy should be diluted in a liter of water and drink the resulting solution within one day. Children will have a maximum of two glasses a day.
This therapy takes one month.
Treating allergies with folk remedies often takes a long time. Therefore, between the courses of taking infusions and decoctions of herbs it is important not to forget to make at least minimal breaks of 1-2 weeks in length.
Usually the allergy completely passes in case of absence of contact with citrus for 6 months. You can check this by eating a few flesh. As a rule, allergy symptoms no longer occur. It remains only in the future to monitor the amount of product used.
If the allergy is returned, it indicates any hidden problems of the body, so for their detection it is necessary to undergo a complete examination.