Grapefruit nowadays is used or a part of a diet, even with those involved in weight loss program because of its nutritional benefits. But it is advisable to ask help from an expert to plan the diet well preventing complications to current medical condition if any, and for the diet to be effective.
Grapefruit Allergy Symptoms
- Like any food allergy, symptoms include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, breathing difficulty, swelling of airways, mouth, tongue, lips, and face, rashes, hives, itching, wheezing, hives and a decrease in blood pressure
Grapefruit allergy reaction
- Mild reaction such as an upset stomach to severe allergic reaction such as anaphylactic shock occurs and should be immediately brought to a physician’s attention
- Grapefruit can have adverse effect to certain medications like benzodiazepines, selected calcium channel blockers, estrogens, guanidine, antihistamines and cyclosporine
- Adverse reactions but not limited to are induced hypotension, heart burn and stomach upset
- Grapefruit juice restrains the production of enzymes in the intestines responsible for break down and absorption of medicines or drugs. Blockage of this enzyme then may cause toxicity from the medications.
Treatment
- To persons with hypersensitivity to grapefruit, washing the rashes with soap and water, cold compress and applying hydrocortisone creams can decrease swelling and itching
- There is no direct and immediate treatment for the allergy, only prevention. Staying away from grapefruit and its products prevents triggering allergic reactions.
- Consulting an allergist will help a person to deal with the problem. Skin tests are usually done for proper treatment course