Blueberry Allergy: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & More

Overview

Have you ever experienced itching or swelling in the mouth, throat, and different parts of the body after eating blueberry? If your answer is yes, you may have a Blueberry Allergy, and you might not have known.

This article aims to provide you Complete Guide to Understanding and Managing Blueberry Allergy. Keep reading to learn more.

Blueberry allergy is a negative response of the immune system of the body to proteins found in blueberries. It is caused by the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause an allergic response.

The immune system recognizes the protein present in blueberries as an allergen. When these allergens come into contact with the body. The immune system produces histamine and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

Blueberry Allergy Symptoms

Blueberry allergy symptoms are very like those of any other food allergy. They differ from one person to the next. It can include a variety of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cardiovascular symptoms. While one person may have an upset stomach, the other may have rare and severe symptoms such as anaphylaxis.

The following are the most common symptoms of blueberry allergies.

Asthma
Colitis, also known as intestinal or gut wall inflammation
Diarrhea
Blood pressure decrease
Eczema
Dermatitis
Headaches
Itching, hives, or a rash on the skin
Congestion in the nose
Polyps in the nose
Nasal congestion
Bloating or stomach pain
Skin tone changes can be abrupt or gradual.
Breathing difficulties or wheezing
Vomiting

Woman suffering from rash due to Blueberry Allergy.

Blueberry Intolerance

In blueberry intolerance, a person experiences a negative reaction after consuming blueberries. This reaction is not a true allergy, but rather a food intolerance and not an immune system response.

Common symptoms of blueberry intolerance include digestive issues:

Bloating
Gas
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain

Other symptoms may include:

Skin rashes
Itching
Hives
Itching and tingling in the mouth
Sneezing
Runny nose
Asthma

In severe cases, it can lead to anaphylaxis, which is severe and life-threatening. This can cause difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, and a sudden drop in blood pressure.

It is important to note that blueberry intolerance is not similar to a blueberry allergy. Allergy is feedback from the immune system to the proteins found in blueberries. An allergy test, like Immunoglobulin E (IgE) test, can be done to determine if a person has a blueberry allergy.

If you suspect that you have a blueberry intolerance. It is important to contact a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. They may recommend avoiding blueberries or other foods that cause your symptoms. He may prescribe you medication to manage your symptoms.

Blueberry Allergy Causes

Blueberries contain salicylates in them. These are chemicals that are present in plants. This is the type of compound that causes an allergic reaction to blueberries. Intolerance to different chemicals in cosmetics and food products is now very common. Those who are allergic to various foods containing salicylate are allergic to this type of chemical because blueberries contain 27.6 mg of salicylate.

People who have a family history of allergies are more likely to develop an allergy. Besides, some people may have cross-reactivity to other fruits and vegetables, also known as oral allergy syndrome. An allergist will diagnose your allergy through a skin test or blood test.

When to see a doctor

Many other symptoms can also occur very after the reaction. In these cases, the doctor or allergist must also take proper medication immediately.

Otherwise, the symptoms can get to their worse situation and be life-threatening within a few minutes if anyone eats blueberries and feels difficulty breathing, tongue swelling, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and high blood pressure after eating them. Then we can say this whole process is the anaphylactic shock.

If it is not treated immediately by the medical staff, it can also cause the patient’s death. If any of these symptoms occur, you should immediately rush toward the hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Diagnosis of blueberry allergy

There is not any test that confirms any food allergy. The doctor will see different factors before diagnosing the allergic reaction. These factors include.

Your symptoms: Give the doctor a detailed history of the symptoms you are experiencing.

Family history: Tell the doctor about all your family members if they have Allergies.

Physical examination: A careful physical examination of any person can be very helpful.

Skin test: A skin prick test can identify your allergic reaction to food. In this test, a small amount of food is on the skin of your back or arm. The health professional or a doctor pricks the skin with the help of a needle. Allowing the small substance which is present beneath the surface of your skin.

Suppose you are allergic to the substance, then a small bump or any reaction occurs. A positive reaction to the test is not enough to confirm your allergic reaction.

Blood test: A blood test can measure your immune system’s response to a specific food.

Oral food challenge: During test-taking in the doctor’s clinic or hospital. You will allow taking a large amount of the suspected food, which can cause you allergic symptoms. If you don’t experience any reaction during the test, you can include that food in your diet again.

Blueberry Allergy Treatment

The best way to treat the blueberry allergic reaction is to avoid eating the blueberry. You should avoid all the foods and products which consist of blueberry.

Antihistamines are available across the counter, which can help in providing relief from the symptoms. These antihistamines can you take when you meet a food that can cause an allergic reaction. It would be best to remember that you cannot treat severe allergic reactions with the help of antihistamines.

The doctor can suggest you use an emergency injection to treat blueberry allergy.

Suppose your doctor has advised you to use an epinephrine pen. It would help if you kept it to use in an emergency. Replace it before its expiry.

What to avoid?

If you are allergic to blueberries, it is important to avoid consuming them and the products that contain them.

To avoid an allergic reaction, it is important to read the ingredients label of food products carefully. Blueberries may be listed as an ingredient or may be included in the form of juice, puree, or extract. Blueberries may also be used in personal care products, such as soap and shampoo. So, it is important to check the labels of these products as well.

If you are dining out, inform the restaurant staff of your allergy and ask them to prepare your meal accordingly.

Conclusion

While common, food allergies affect only 6-8% of children under three and 9% of adults. Prevention is essential in all cases of blueberry allergy, whether the symptoms are mild or severe. If you suspect that you have blueberry intolerance, it is best to avoid the fruit. This includes any blueberry-containing product, whether artificial blueberry extract or blueberry as a natural ingredient.

Blueberry intolerance is a common situation that affects many peoples. It can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. If you are facing symptoms after consuming blueberries. It is important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and get treatment. If you suspect allergy symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.

Do you have any questions about this article? You can contact us without any hesitation if you have any questions. Our team is always here for your proper guidance and help, thanks for reading, and stay healthy!