It is a known fact that food allergies affect both adults and children. Even though cherries are not one of the common triggers of food allergies, they can cause an allergic response in some individuals, especially those who have allergies to pollen. Since the symptoms of an allergic reaction can initially start as a mild disturbance but worsens with repeated exposure, once the individual notices signs of an upcoming allergic response to cherries, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
What are the common symptoms?
An allergic reaction to cherries can lead to mild or severe symptoms. A real allergic response includes symptoms that involve the skin and intestines. Once an individual ingests cherries and he/she is allergic, the symptoms that will manifest include nausea and vomiting, tingling of the mouth, itchiness, metallic taste in the mouth and nasal congestion. Take note that the symptoms might progress into severe symptoms which is called as anaphylaxis that can be deadly.
What is anaphylaxis?
During anaphylaxis, it already involves the respiratory and cardiovascular system and tends to occur at a rapid rate. Some of the symptoms of anaphylaxis include puffiness of the lips, tongue and throat, rapid heart rate, wheezing, fainting and loss of consciousness.
Always remember that anaphylaxis is an emergency and can be lethal if immediate medical care is not provided right away. An individual who ate cherries and develop an anaphylactic reaction are usually prescribed by the doctor with an injectable epinephrine or EpiPen. Once an individual starts to manifest the initial signs of an allergic reaction, you have to administer a shot of epinephrine and bring the individual to the hospital for further medical attention. Do not wait for the symptoms to worsen since the individual might lose consciousness. If you want to learn how to use an EpiPen, all you have to do is to register for first aid training in Saskatoon today.
What is oral allergy syndrome?
In some cases, an allergic response to cherries can indicate an allergy to birch pollen. The individual might have oral symptoms when fruits or vegetables that contain similar proteins to birch pollen are eaten such as plums, peaches, kiwi, apples, parsley, pears, carrots and celery. In most cases, the symptoms of oral allergy syndrome include burning sensation in the mouth and throat as well as swelling that can disrupt normal breathing.
Undergo testing for allergy
In order to determine if an individual has allergy to cherries is to undergo testing. Those who do not experience severe allergic reactions to cherries can be recommended by the doctor to eat the fruit again to check if similar symptoms manifest. As for those who have severe reactions to cherries previously, the doctor might recommend blood testing or skin prick test to determine the diagnosis of an allergy.
This is good information to know since I have an allergy to some types of fruit. My allergies aren’t as serious as the types mentioned here but I don’t know how it could affect my children. Anaphylaxis courses or allergy testing would help prepare me for that, as you mentioned. Thanks for your tips.