Can there be an allergy to carrots, how it manifests itself and how is it treated?

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

In the 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 is carrots really 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 RP-10 protein group. In the composition of carrots, the degree of these substances is exceeded. Despite this, the carrot itself is not an allergen, and there can be no food allergy from it.

During an exacerbation of pollinosis (pollen allergy), our immune system is in critical condition. It reacts poorly and distinguishes between extraneous allergens, where the complex of substances is similar to pollen. In this case, the sensitivity of the allergic person to the carrot itself arises. This reaction is called 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 levels 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 genetic level is quite common. If one of the parents has a “disease”, the chance of getting the same reaction in a child is 50%. If both suffer, then the indicator increases.
2. City dwellers. In megacities, there are significantly more allergy sufferers than in rural areas. Polluted air reduces immunity.
3. Respiratory tract infections... An infected person is more susceptible to the development of pollen allergy, which can subsequently turn into a cross stage.

The main causes of carrot allergy

The causes of allergies are varied:

1. Additives, preservatives and colorants in grocery stores. It is they that contribute to the development of food allergies, since the human body at this moment is as vulnerable as possible.
2. Individual intolerance.
3. "Overdose". The overuse of carrots leads to an allergic reaction, especially if the 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 amount of potential allergens.
5. Heredity.
6. Cross-reaction. Have a pollen allergy.
7. Immaturity of digestive enzymes. In infants, the digestive system is formed gradually, therefore, the introduction of carrots into the children's diet does not occur earlier than 7 months after birth.
8. Allergy in children to beta-carotene (vitamin A).

Allergy symptoms

Allergy symptoms directly depend on age and on the susceptibility of the body. Everyone's reaction is different: from tearing to attacks of suffocation.

Signs of an allergy in an adult:

• skin rashes, itching, blisters, blemishes;
• eye inflammation - 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 - cramps, constipation, nausea, vomiting;
• runny nose, cough, shortness of breath.

In a young child, the symptoms are as follows:

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

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

Complications of carrot allergy

Allergies provoke mild seizures or pose a threat to life:

1. Anaphylactic shock. It is characterized by difficulty breathing, a sharp drop in blood pressure, and headache. Often provokes loss of consciousness. May lead to coma or death.
2. Quincke's edema. The whole body is very swollen up to the larynx mucosa. 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. Syndrome of the "blue child". When eating a large amount of carrots, the level of nitrates in the child's body increases. This provokes oxygen starvation. The child suddenly begins to choke, and blue patches appear around the nails and mouth.

To prevent dire consequences, in an unfamiliar place, you should warn others about the presence of allergies. This will help provide an ambulance in a timely manner.

Diagnostics

At the slightest suspicion of an allergy and the presence of basic symptoms, consult an allergist. The 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 that, 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 donated from a vein to detect the protein group that causes the reaction.
3. Provocative tests... For this, an allergen is injected into the nose, under the tongue or into the bronchi, and then the reaction of the body is traced. The study is carried out only in hospitals under the supervision of a doctor, as an ambulance may be needed.
4. Elimination tests... Removing a suspected allergen from a person's daily life.

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

Treatment

After passing the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the necessary treatment. The ways of dealing with it depend on how severe the allergic reaction is, from emergency assistance to traditional medicine recipes.

Emergency help

If you suddenly experience allergy symptoms, wash your face, rinse your mouth, drink 1 liter of liquid. For anaphylactic shock or Quincke's edema, call an ambulance and take the anti-allergic agent recommended by the dispatcher on duty.

Pharmacy products

The main list of drugs for allergies:

1. "Cromohexal". Nasal spray or eye drops.
2. "Singular". Film-coated or chewable tablets.
3. Telfast. Pills.
4. Erius. Tablets or syrup.
5. Enterosgel. Oral paste.

Diet

Diet helps to weaken the body's response to the allergen. To do this, exclude the following foods:

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

And replace them with:

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

If an allergy manifests itself in an infant, all restrictions are introduced into the diet of a nursing mother. It is required to drink as much water as possible. So allergens will be eliminated from the body faster.

Traditional methods

Here are some effective folk remedies for allergies:

1. A complex effect aimed at removing the allergen from the body. 1 tsp pour dill inflorescences with 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. Insist at least 12 hours. Drink 3 times a day.
2. Against redness and breakouts. 1 tbsp. l. Dried nettles pour 250 ml of hot water. Infuse 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 consist of it;
• keep with you the medication recommended by your doctor;
• limit sweets, salty and fried;
• drink more liquid, preferably plain water;
• maintain hygiene;
• walk in the fresh air and regularly ventilate the room;
• avoid stressful situations.

Reviews

The treatments described in this article are standard guidelines when symptoms first appear. Some of them have already helped people with allergies.

Alena, St. Petersburg: “My son has just a pollen allergy, but we didn't think he would get sick from carrots. And at first he reacted to carrot juice. It's good that there were only rashes on the skin. Now we are constantly checking and carry medicines with us. "

Irina, Omsk: “My husband and I are allergic to carrots. I can't cope with pollen, but with food it is quite good. Both myself and my husband have found a solution here. We use folk methods mainly. "

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Conclusion

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