Oranges are considered to be fully packed with nutrition and vitamins. It is consumed regularly by people for its taste and health benefits. Unfortunately some people have allergy after eating orange fruit or orange juice or products containing orange extract as their ingredient. While in most cases the symptoms associated with allergy to orange may be limited, in some cases, it may be associated with life threatening situations requiring urgent medical attention.
What Causes Allergy from Citric Fruits?
Orange allergy is due to a chemical present in it called salicylate. People having allergy to salicylate can get allergic reaction after eating an orange. The allergy may not be limited to oranges, but some people might have an allergic reaction to all citrus fruits containing citric acid. The allergy is caused, when the immune system of an individual malfunctions and considers salicylate as a harmful substance to the body. In response to this, the body reacts releasing histamine which is associated with most of the symptoms manifested in cases of orange allergy. .
Orange Allergy Symptoms
The symptoms of orange allergy may be observed immediately or a couple of hours after consuming the fruit.
- Moderate to severe cramps in the abdomen.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea with loose motions often resulting in dehydration.
- Excessive Sneezing with watering of the nose.
- Swelling of lips and face may be observed in some cases
- Itching, burning and redness of the eyes.
- Itching in upper palate with increase thirst
- Skin rash may also be observed. The skin rash is often associated with elevated papules on the skin, which are red and burn intensely. If you are allergic to orange, you may also have allergy to orange peel. So do not touch or use products containing orange peel. They are generally used in natural cosmetic skin products.
- Cough and breathlessness of mild or severe intensity. The cough is often dry in nature i.e. without any sputum or expectoration.
- Anaphylactic reaction: this is rare, but can be a life threatening condition. Low blood pressure, dizziness, breathlessness are some of its manifestation. Immediate medical help is imminent to treat the condition.
Treating Allergy to Citric Fruits
In most cases the symptoms are mild; avoiding orange and its products is the best remedy. Make sure that your allergy is limited to oranges and doesn’t include other citrus fruits. Ensure that you take adequate supplements of Vitamin C, especially if you are allergic to all citric fruits.
For moderate symptoms, doctors generally prescribe anti histamines, nasal sprays for nasal congestion and eye drops for itching eye. In most cases, the symptoms may subside without need for medical intervention. In case of severe anaphylaxis reaction, prompt medical attention is needed.
Homeopathic drugs like Apis Mel are considered beneficial for skin related symptoms while Bryonia and Arsenic Alb are considered beneficial for respiratory symptoms.