Overview
Corn allergy is not very common and is also known as maize allergy. It occurs when you have any exposure to corn and corn-based products. It is the body’s immune system’s response to corn and product made by corn. The immune system releases antibodies IgE (immunoglobin E) against the allergen to neutralize it.
This article will help you with corn allergy and its related term, keep reading to learn more.
Cross reaction can also occur between the corn and other allergens such as wheat and rice. Wheat and rice allergy occurrence are very rare. So, these allergens are still controversial. It can be a big challenge in diagnosing cross-allergic reactions.
Corn Allergy Symptoms
Allergy to corn can be very uncomfortable for people. The reaction can be very severe, and sometimes the reaction can also cause death. If an allergic reaction from corn infects anyone, it can show the symptoms in a few minutes or within two hours. The symptoms of corn allergy include the following:
- Itchiness: Itchiness starts in the mouth of a person after getting infected.
- Rashes: Rashes are present in different parts of the body due to allergic reactions.
- Hives: The appearance of hives is another common symptom of a corn allergy.
- Headache: An infected person feels a headache. Sometimes it can be very severe.
- Swelling: Corn allergy can also cause swelling in different parts of the body.
- Breathing difficulty: The patient can have breathing difficulty. Sometimes the patient may need oxygen to overcome the breathing difficulty.
- Wheezing: A person starts wheezing due to corn infection.
- Dizziness: The patient feels dizzy after getting infected.
- Vomiting: An allergic reaction to corn can also cause vomiting.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is another important symptom of an allergic reaction.
- Unconsciousness: Sometimes a person becomes unconscious due to the reaction.
What Causes Corn Allergy?
You cannot know the exact cause of allergic reactions due to corn. It is a grain cereal that contains protein in it, which can also be a cause of a suspected allergic reaction. When the body recognizes a protein as foreign the body starts releasing antibodies.
An allergic reaction can occur from eating cooked, raw corn and foods made with a combination of corn. All the products which contain corn do not contain “Zein” in them. But it isn’t easy to know that it is present in the food.
If you meet the corn wearing gloves can also cause a problem. People with asthma and any other kind of allergy related to food are at high risk. The family history of those linked with the allergic reaction.
When to see a doctor
“If you have a simple rash that is itching, you should go to urgent care. And if you have a rash and are vomiting, you should go to the emergency room.” Anaphylactic allergic reactions can be fatal and immediate medical attention is necessary.
Diagnosis
The results of corn and other food allergies depend on what a person should eat and what to avoid daily. This can be a big challenge in diagnosing corn allergy.
Skin and blood tests may not provide the correct results, which can get the patient at high risk. A patient’s history is very important for diagnosing an allergic reaction. It cannot be easy the evaluation for a few reasons. Corn is present in different kinds of foods. The symptoms may disappear which include rashes and irritation.
If you have mild symptoms, you should maintain a diary that lists all the foods you have taken. At what time do you eat that food, and what symptoms are you experiencing after eating that food? The patient must avoid eating corn for at least two weeks to recover from the allergy completely.
Corn Allergy Treatment
If the allergy symptoms are mild, then you can manage the allergic symptoms alone by staying at home. The best way to stop corn allergic reactions is to prevent them in the very initial stage. Therefore, you need to do your best to avoid corn and its products.
If the allergic reaction is anaphylactic, you must seek medical attention immediately. If the symptoms are severe, you must go to the hospital for proper treatment.
Your allergist may suggest you over-the-counter medication to ease your allergic symptoms. He may provide you EpiPen, the only way to treat an anaphylactic condition. You need to carry this EpiPen with you all time and need to learn how to use it.
Food To Avoid
If you are suffering from corn allergy, you should avoid taking all those foods that involve corn. Before buying any product must read its labels and make sure corn is not included in it. Likewise, before hoteling at restaurants, inform the management to not add corn to food.
Following are some foods and products you need to avoid.
- Vegetable oil
- Corn oil
- Popcorn
- Maize
- Grifts
- Cornstarch
- Cornflakes
- Corn chips
- Cornmeal
- Hominy
- Margarine
- Corn fritters
- Corn tortillas
Conclusion
A corn allergy is a type of food allergy, it is uncommon, but it can be dangerous. Consult your doctor if you experience symptoms after eating corn.
Many products, including non-food items, contain corn. It can be difficult to avoid corn if you have an allergic reaction to it. But your healthcare team can assist you in avoiding corn.
Do you have any questions regarding this article? Feel free to contact us without any hesitations, our team is always here for you. Hope you like it, Thanks for reading, and stay healthy!
FAQs
- What does it feel like to have a corn allergy?
The typical symptoms of corn intolerance appear up to a few hours after consuming corn. Cramping in the tummy, Diarrhea, or vomiting.
- In corn, what causes corn allergy?
An allergy to corn is the body’s immune system’s response to corn and product made by corn. “Zein” is a protein that is present in corn, and it is a main cause of allergy.
