Can an allergy to carrots occur, how does it manifest itself and how is it treated?

Allergies in humans are common. The main list of irritants is familiar to many: plant pollen, animal hair, food. Carrots are not a common allergen, but this does not mean that a reaction to this vegetable cannot occur.

In this article we will tell you whether there is an allergy to carrots, how it manifests itself, who is at risk, when to sound the alarm and how to prevent the consequences.

Allergen F31 - carrots

So are carrots actually an allergenic product or not? To answer this question, you need to study the composition of the vegetable. An allergic reaction in humans is caused by the protein group RP-10. In carrots, the level of these substances is exceeded. Despite this, carrots themselves are not an allergen, and there cannot be a food allergy from them.

During an exacerbation of hay fever (pollen allergy), our immune system is in critical condition. It reacts poorly and distinguishes between foreign allergens, where the complex of substances is similar to pollen. In this case, the allergy sufferer becomes sensitive to the carrot itself. This reaction is called a cross reaction and occurs in people who suffer from allergies to pollen from wormwood, dandelions, birch or willow trees, etc.

Reference. Raw carrots are more allergenic than boiled ones. This is due to the fact that heat treatment always reduces the amount of substances that cause an ambiguous reaction.Carrot juice will also have an adverse effect on the body due to the increased level of allergens in the composition.

Both adults and children are equally susceptible to allergic reactions.

Risk group

The following factors influence the occurrence of allergies:

1. Heredity. The transmission of allergies at the gene level is a fairly common phenomenon. If one of the parents has a “disease,” the chance of getting the same reaction in the child is 50%. If both suffer, then the indicator increases.
2. City dwellers. There are significantly more allergy sufferers in megacities than in rural areas. Polluted air reduces immunity.
3. Presence of respiratory tract infections. An infected person is more susceptible to developing a pollen allergy, which can subsequently develop into a cross allergy.

The main causes of carrot allergy

The causes of allergies are varied:

1. Additives, preservatives and dyes in store-bought products. They are the ones who contribute to the development of food allergies, since the human body is at its most vulnerable at this moment.
2. Individual intolerance.
3. "Overdose". Excessive consumption of carrots leads to an allergic reaction, especially if a person has diabetes or high glucose levels. The sugar in carrots worsens the condition and causes a rash.
4. Eating raw carrots. It contains an increased number of potential allergens.
5. Heredity.
6. Cross reaction. Having an allergy to pollen.
7. Immaturity of digestive enzymes. In infants, the digestive system develops gradually, so the introduction of carrots into the children's diet occurs no earlier than 7 months after birth.
8. Allergy in children to beta-carotene (vitamin A).

Allergy symptoms

Allergy symptoms directly depend on age and the body's sensitivity. Everyone's reaction is different: from tearfulness to choking attacks.

Signs of allergies in an adult:

• skin rashes, itching, blisters, spots;
• inflammation of the eyes - itching, redness and swelling of the eyelids, sensitivity to light;
• irritation of the palate, gums, burning of the tongue and lips, tingling in the mouth;
• problems with the digestive system - spasms, constipation, nausea, vomiting;
• runny nose, cough, shortness of breath.

In a small child, the symptoms are as follows:

• disorders of the digestive system - poor or lack of appetite, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea;
• damage to the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, gums - burning, itching, swelling;
• runny nose, cough, shortness of breath;
• inflammation of the skin, itching, dryness, crusting.

These signs appear immediately after eating the vegetable, with direct contact with it, and also after some time.

Complications of carrot allergy

Allergies provoke mild attacks or pose a threat to life:

1. Anaphylactic shock. Characterized by difficulty breathing, a sharp decrease in blood pressure, and headache. Often provokes loss of consciousness. May cause coma or death.
2. Quincke's edema. The whole body swells greatly, right down to the mucous membrane of the larynx. Shortness of breath and an uncharacteristic cough appear. The condition threatens the patient’s life, so it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance.
3. Blue baby syndrome. Eating large amounts of carrots increases the level of nitrates in a child's body. This provokes oxygen starvation. The child suddenly begins to choke, and blue areas appear around the nails and mouth.

To prevent terrible consequences, in an unfamiliar place it is worth warning others about the presence of allergies. This will help to provide emergency assistance in a timely manner.

Carrying out diagnostics

If you have the slightest suspicion of an allergy and the presence of the main symptoms, consult an allergist. A standard example of diagnosis is the study of venous blood. But the most accurate result is provided by a comprehensive analysis:

1. Skin tests. The study is carried out on the skin of the forearm, previously treated with an alcohol solution. After which drops with allergens are applied to it. If there is slight swelling or redness of the skin, the person is allergic to the corresponding substance.
2. Antibody research. In this case, blood is drawn from a vein to detect the protein group causing the reaction.
3. Provocative tests. To do this, an allergen is injected into the nose, under the tongue or into the bronchi, and then the body’s reaction is monitored. The study is carried out only in hospitals under the supervision of a doctor, as emergency medical care may be needed.
4. Elimination tests. Removing the suspected allergen from a person's daily life.

After the result is obtained, the doctor prescribes appropriate treatment.

Treatment

After the diagnosis has been completed, the doctor prescribes the necessary treatment. How to combat it depends on how severe the allergic reaction is, from emergency care to traditional medicine recipes.

Emergency help

If allergy symptoms suddenly appear, wash your face, rinse your mouth, and drink 1 liter of liquid. In case of anaphylactic shock or angioedema, call an ambulance and take an antiallergic drug recommended by the dispatcher on duty.

Pharmacy products

The main list of drugs for allergies:

1. "Cromohexal". Nasal spray or eye drops.
2. "Singular." Tablets, film-coated or chewable.
3. Telfast. Pills.
4. "Erius". Tablets or syrup.
5. "Enterosgel". Paste for oral administration.

Diet

Diet helps reduce the body's reaction to the allergen. To do this, exclude the following products:

• citrus;
• chocolate;
• nuts;
• carbonated drinks;
• alcohol;
• juices

And replace them with:

• green tea;
• green apples;
• turkey;
• lean soups;
• vegetables.

If an allergy appears in an infant, all restrictions are introduced into the diet of the nursing mother. You need to drink as much water as possible. This will remove allergens from the body faster.

Traditional methods

Here are some effective folk methods for combating allergies:

1. A complex effect aimed at removing the allergen from the body. 1 tsp. dill inflorescences pour 200 ml of hot water and leave for 40 minutes. Then we prepare a herbal mixture: 35 g of strawberries, 20 g of wormwood, 15 g of nettle, 15 g of burdock and 15 g of dandelion root. 1 tbsp. l. herbs pour 1 tbsp. dill broth. Leave for at least 12 hours. Drink 3 times a day.
2. Against redness and rashes. 1 tbsp. l. dried nettles pour 250 ml of hot water. Leave for about 30 minutes. Take before every meal.

Preventive measures

Prevention is necessary to prevent the dangerous consequences of an allergic reaction.

Effective measures:

• exclude carrots from the diet, as well as dishes and drinks that contain them;
• keep with you the medication recommended by your doctor;
• limit sweet, salty and fried foods;
• drink more fluids, preferably plain water;
• maintain hygiene;
• walk in the fresh air and regularly ventilate the room;
• avoid stressful situations.

Reviews

The treatment methods described in this article are standard recommendations when symptoms first appear. Some of them have already helped people suffering from allergies.

Alena, St. Petersburg: “My son just has a pollen allergy, but we didn’t think he would get sick from carrots. Moreover, he first reacted to carrot juice. It's good that there were no skin rashes. Now we are constantly checked and carry medications with us.”

Irina, Omsk: “My husband and I are allergic to carrots. I can’t cope with pollen, but food is fine. I found a solution for both myself and my husband here. We mainly use traditional methods.”

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Conclusion

Carrots are not the most common allergen. But use It should be used with care, especially for those who suffer from pollen allergies (to dust or pollen from trees and flowers). Such allergy sufferers should consult a doctor and identify possible reactions to other substances. Thus, you will take care of your health in advance and prevent negative consequences.