Peach, apricot, plum allergy: Symptoms and foods to avoid

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Compounds in peaches, apricots, and plums can cause allergic reactions in some people soon after they eat them. Usually the resulting allergic symptoms are limited to the gastrointestinal tract, but in some cases include systemic symptoms, which can affect other organs and tissues of the body. In rare cases, ingestion can cause anaphylaxis. The following article will introduce you to the symptoms of a peach, apricot, and plum allergy and how to avoid it.

1. Symptoms of peach, apricot, plum allergy

1.1. Allergy to peaches, apricots, plums Fruits with hard seeds, or with holes in the center, such as peaches, apricots, and plums (also known as hard nuts) are generally safe for most people. However, in some cases, they can also cause allergic reactions in people who eat them. Some of such fruits include:
Apricots Cherries nectarines Peach Plums 1.2. Symptoms of a hard nut allergy Usually, we will notice allergy symptoms soon after eating these fruits, although in rare cases, a reaction can occur after That's from 30 minutes to an hour. Symptoms of the most common hard nut allergy include itching and swelling after eating these berries. Swelling and itching mainly occurs in areas such as:
Face Lips Mouth Throat Tongue In severe allergic cases, skin, respiratory or digestive system may be involved, allergies hard berries can include symptoms such as:
Cough Diarrhea Itching or runny nose Skin rash Vomiting

In most cases, these fruits when processed, canned or made into juices or syrups do not cause a reaction. However, for some people with severe hard nut allergies, consuming any product related to these fruits has the potential to trigger an allergic reaction.
1.3. Anaphylaxis The most serious type of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis will usually occur within minutes of eating a food and may include:
Dizziness Fainting Flushed or pale skin Rash and itching Low blood pressure (low blood pressure) Nausea or vomiting Rapid pulse may be weak Swelling of airways, throat or tongue may cause difficulty breathing

2. Causes of allergies to peaches, apricots, and plums

Allergic reactions occur because the body's immune system mistakes ingredients in foods as harmful and overreacts to these ingredients. This reaction leads to the release of certain substances such as histamine by the body, which can cause allergy symptoms. Allergic reactions to foods can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. The most common reason for an allergic reaction to stone fruit is oral allergy syndrome.
2.1. Oral Allergy Syndrome If you are allergic to peaches, apricots, or plums, you may notice that your mouth or throat is itchy after eating raw fruit. This is called oral allergy syndrome (OAS) or pollen-to-fruit or pollen-food syndrome. Symptoms of oral allergy syndrome are usually mild and disappear quickly after we swallow the food or are no longer exposed to the food. OAS is considered a secondary type of food allergy. While primary allergies can often develop very early in life, secondary allergies are more common in children or adults who have had an initial allergy to something like pollen or rubber.
Oral allergy syndrome occurs in people with pollen allergies. It happens because the proteins found in certain raw fruits or vegetables closely resemble the proteins found in pollen. As a result, our immune system becomes difficult to distinguish and respond to the fruit proteins. This can be called cross-reactivity.
Allergies to specific pollens can lead to cross-reactivity with specific fruits or vegetables. Several types of pollen have been linked to oral allergy syndrome including:
Alder pollen Birch pollen Grass pollen Wormwood pollen Ragweed pollen

2.2. Allergy to birch or alder pollen People who are allergic to alder pollen or birch pollen may develop oral allergy syndrome after eating nectarines or similar fruits. If you have alder pollen or birch pollen allergy, other foods that can cause oral allergy syndrome include:
Other fruits like apples, kiwis and pears Vegetables, eg carrots, celery and potatoes raw Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), up to 50 to 75 percent of adults who are allergic to birch pollen may develop an oral allergy after eating a cross-reactive food, such as: citrus fruits, apricots, plums.
2.3. Resin Allergy Syndrome Similar to oral allergies, people who are allergic to tree sap may experience a reaction after eating specific foods. This is because some of the proteins found in the latex are similar to the proteins found in some fruits. Foods that have been identified to cause a high or moderate reaction in people with latex allergies include things like apples, avocados, kiwis, and celery.

3. Diagnosis and prevention of peach, apricot, plum allergy

3.1. Diagnosis Allergists can help patients diagnose peach, apricot, and plum allergies. Allergists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions such as allergies and asthma. The allergist will first review the patient's medical history and perform a physical exam. They will ask the patient about the symptoms of the disease and what they were eating when they appeared.
Your doctor may also order allergy tests to help make a diagnosis, although these tests cannot diagnose oral allergy syndrome. While most people with oral allergies will have a positive pollen allergy test result, food allergy testing is often negative.
Allergy tests may include a skin prick test or a blood test.
Skin prick test
Skin prick test allows a small amount of a food allergen to get under the skin of a patient. If the person has a primary allergy to that food, a skin reaction similar to a mosquito bite will occur. Skin test results may be available in about 20 minutes.
Blood tests for antibodies
Blood tests can look for specific antibodies to a food allergen present in a person's blood. A blood sample will be taken from a vein in their arm and sent to a lab for analysis. Results are usually available after about a week.

Ingestion of food directly
In cases where skin and blood tests are inconclusive, an allergist may direct the patient to eat the food directly. During this test, the person will be asked to eat a very small amount of the food they suspect is causing an allergy. The person will be observed for several hours to see if there is a reaction to the food. This method is always done under strict medical supervision in case of serious reactions.
3.2. Managing and Preventing Allergies to Peach, Apricots, and Plums The main way to manage allergies to peaches, apricots, and plums and prevent another reaction is to avoid eating those fruits. In addition, advance planning can also be helpful to prevent possible reactions.
If you think you may have an allergy, find out for sure by seeing your doctor for a diagnosis. Meanwhile, some basic measures in eating habits and daily living can also help.
Wash
Fruits need to be washed and dried before eating. If you're allergic to the protein in fruit, washing the fruit won't change that. But it can reduce your chances of being exposed to other allergens if you're sensitive to them. Most fruits go through many stages of transportation as well as preservation before they can reach consumers. Even the fruits we snack on and eat in the garden can contain a lot of dust, bacteria or pollen that can trigger allergies.
Wash your skin
If you are experiencing a mild skin reaction, wash the areas of your face and hands where the fruit touched and drink some water will help.
Need to avoid exposure to allergens
Eat processed fruits or drink fruit juices. For many people, consuming cooked fruit does not cause an allergic reaction, so if you must eat peaches, apricots, and plums, make sure it's processed or canned.

Also always check food labels for ingredients to see if the food contains any fruit you're allergic to. While this can get complicated, we can find specific brands that we can rely on for their ingredients or manufacturing and packaging processes.
Do not eat peaches, apricots, and plums when seasonal pollen counts are high
Because foods that cause oral allergy syndrome have been linked to pollen allergies, you should avoid eating rock fruit popular times of year when birch pollen begins to disperse. Eating fruits in general during this time can make symptoms worse.
Have the right medication ready
Using an antihistamine is the best option. If you happen to be exposed to stone fruit, over-the-counter antihistamines can provide relief from mild allergy symptoms. There are several different types of antihistamines and will help you figure out which is most effective.
Get emergency care if needed
If you have a severe allergic reaction to citrus fruits, apricots, plums, you will need emergency treatment with epinephrine and be taken to the emergency room. If it is known that you may have a serious allergic reaction to citrus fruits, apricots, or plums, an allergist may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) so that the patient can Take it with you in case an allergic reaction occurs.
Allergies to peaches, apricots and plums are very rare, but people who are sensitive to allergens still need to take precautions. If you experience an allergic reaction after eating peaches, apricots, and plums, immediately go to medical facilities for timely diagnosis and treatment. With proper diagnosis, it is entirely possible to avoid and more effectively manage allergic reactions to specific foods.
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Reference sources: healthyfully.com, healthline.com