What is Garlic?
A plant, Allium sativum, related to the onion, has a pungent bulb much used in cooking. It is also widely sold as a powder or oil, but for some people, garlic allergy can make it dangerous.
What is Garlic Allergy?
An allergy to garlic is rare, but it is possible. If you have a physical reaction after consuming garlic, you may have a raw garlic allergy. Garlic allergies are skin rashes, asthma (breathy or clam), hives (disband), and redness of the skin.
Some people take garlic supplements for their body advantages. Garlic is very effective in lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure. An allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a harmless substance as if they were a threat.
Symptoms of Garlic Allergy
Allergies occur when we use such things in food that is not useful for us. For what reason does this cause inflammation in the immune cells? The inflammation can be minimal if a person has a mild reaction at one point, it may be more later. Symptoms of food allergy include
- Cough
- Contact dermatitis (Rash)
- Difficult swallowing
- Feelings dizzy
- Stomach pain
- Rattle wheeze
- Vomiting
Some people show intolerance to garlic, which is different from allergies. Garlic intolerance can cause unpleasant symptoms. However, it cannot trigger the immune system’s response. An example of symptoms associated with a garlic intolerance includes:
- Bloating
- Coughing
- Migraines
- Runny nose
Some people do not show intolerance to eating cooked garlic. Anaphylaxis is the most severe and life-threatening allergic reaction to garlic. It causes the throat to swell, which can make it difficult to breathe.
The symptoms take longer to appear than allergies. Allergic pain starts immediately after eating and its symptoms appear after a while.
Causes of Garlic Allergy
Like all allergies, garlic allergies can be caused by a reaction of our immune system. Our immune system makes antibodies when we use something that is harmful to us.
When our immune system makes antibodies for something that is not harmful to us, then such reactions are called Allergies.
Food Allergies are also a special type of allergy that can be caused by using a small amount of anything. It is found in 8% of children and 3% of adults. Peanuts and tree nuts cause food allergies.
Garlic Allergies are much less common than other allergies. Clinical trials have revealed many basic problems associated with garlic. These can be bad breath and body odor, etc. While some have proven that garlic can cause allergies.
Children are more likely to have food allergies than adults and with the age, these allergies may diminish.
Garlic Allergy Diagnosis
Garlic allergy diagnosis is sensitivity to the oral food challenge. During the food, your Allergist will make it clear to you that this may cause you to have an allergic reaction. The food can be dangerous for you in which garlic is used.
Your doctor will diagnose the symptoms of your allergy. He may perform a blood test or skin prick test for the diagnosis of allergic symptoms. On the contrary, you should avoid things that use garlic and onion. This may reduce your allergic reaction.
The elimination diet lasts for at least two weeks. This is a very safe option to avoid allergies.
After a certain period of time, he will give you medical advice and determine whether garlic is good for you are not. You need to eliminate it from your diet altogether.
Garlic Allergy Treatment
The best treatment for garlic allergy is avoidance. Before eating at a restaurant tell staff that you are allergic to garlic. So, they use alternative spices to make their food delicious.
Most cases of garlic allergy are not dangerous and can treat with antihistamines. So, it is good to have them. For allergic asthma patients, the allergist will recommend an inhaled corticosteroid.
In severe cases of allergy, the allergist will give you allergy shots. He will give you allergy shots according to your allergy severity.
Dealing with Allergic Reactions to Garlic
Most Allergies can’t be cured, which means avoiding foods that can cause allergies. You may need to.
- Dishes should be washed thoroughly before cooking.
- Tell people about your allergies and tell them not to use the garlic if you are eating with them.
- Tell restaurant chefs about your allergy problem. Moreover, tell them to keep your food separate from other foods that do not contain garlic.
- Eat at parties only when you know that garlic is not used in this meal.
Cross-reactive foods and other foods to avoid
Garlic is known from the Allium family Amaryllidaceae. If you are allergic to garlic then you may be allergic to other foods in lily family.
The protein in these plants is similar to each other, so the immune system can react to any of them. This phenomenon is known as cross-reactivity. The vegetable in this group include:
- Onion (Allium-cepa)
- Leeks (Alliaceous plant)
- Chives (Allium sphenogram)
- Shallot (Garlic)
The food we buy or order from restaurants should be thoroughly examined. Garlic is already found in packaged food as:
- Soup
- Rice and pasta
- Salad and Sauce
We use garlic in many things in over daily life. Sometimes it is used as a flavor in the package but the package is not listed as a name. Many products include toll-free numbers that allow you to ask about special ingredients. Avoid this food if you have any doubts.
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