Celery allergy is known to affect many individuals more often than the detrimental reactions to certain foods. Some individuals only have issues with celery during certain times of the year. Always bear in mind that this form of reaction is often caused by cross-reaction to the birch trees or wormwood plants that share a particular cell structure with celery.
Oral allergy syndrome often occurs during the wormwood or birch pollination seasons. Some individuals might experience allergy symptoms after ingesting cooked or raw celery anytime. The outcome can range from minimal itchiness to life-threatening metabolic collapse.
Mouth itchiness due to celery allergy
The oral symptoms might represent the extent or simply the start of the physical effects of celery allergy. The tingling or itchy sensation starts in the mouth during this reaction.
After a minute or two when the body absorbs the celery allergens, symptoms such as moderate itchiness of the tongue, lips and throat occurs.
Facial swelling
Since the itchiness can arise any time, the individual should ignore the allergy symptoms unless inflammation and swelling occurs. Many individuals with oral reactions to celery can end up with elevated bumps in the mouth.
In some individuals, further swelling in the tongue, lips and throat can occur. Other areas of the skin such as the eyelids and the face can end up with evident swelling.
Difficulty breathing
Even though the oral allergy symptoms typically stay benign, severe allergic reactions can occur at any time. The engorgement in the mouth and throat can clog up the airways or lead to constriction.
Symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing might indicate the start of anaphylaxis which can be triggered by celery allergy that can escalate to life-threatening symptoms. It is vital to call for emergency assistance as soon as possible.
Erratic pulse rate
Anaphylaxis can develop right after eating celery as breathing issues diminishes the flow of oxygen all over the body. The individual can experience a rapid, uneven or weak pulse. Slurred speech, confusion and lightheadedness might be the evident indications of systemic shock that can progress to loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest or even death.
Digestive issues
The less evident reactions to celery allergy can affect the digestive tract and eventually subside as the allergens are eliminated from the body. These allergy symptoms might not start until an hour or more after ingestion when the individual is overcome by nausea. Even though stomach cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting can be severe, the episode typically subsides in just a short time. Those who continue to eat celery however, still face the risk for future reactions.