Carrot allergy: Symptoms and foods to avoid

This is an automatically translated article.

Carrots bring sweetness, color and nutrition to many dishes. This vegetable is rich in beta carotene and fiber. For those with allergies, carrots are also full of allergens that can be harmful. The following information will help you better understand carrot allergy.

1. Basic information about carrots

Carrots are a member of the parsley family, carrots are more likely to cause allergic reactions when eaten raw than when cooked. This is because cooking removes allergenic proteins in carrots and reduces their impact on the immune system.
Allergic reactions to carrots can range from mild to severe. As with any allergy, consulting your doctor can help you manage your symptoms.

2. What are the symptoms of a carrot allergy?

Carrot allergy symptoms are often associated with oral allergy syndrome. Symptoms usually occur when a piece of raw carrot is in the mouth. And the symptoms will disappear as soon as you cut or swallow the carrots.
Symptoms may include:
Itchy mouth Swelling of lips, mouth, tongue or throat Itching of ears An itchy throat These symptoms usually do not require treatment or medication. More severe symptoms may require medication, such as an antihistamine. These symptoms include:
Swelling under the skin Hives hives Difficulty breathing Dizziness Tightness in throat or chest Difficulty swallowing Sore throat or hoarseness Cough Runny nose Sneezing stuffy nose Itchy eyes Anaphylaxis

3. Cross-reacting food and risk factors

If you are allergic to carrots, there are a number of other foods and plants that you may be allergic to. This is called cross-reactivity. For example, people who are allergic to carrots are often allergic to birch pollen.
This is because carrots and birch pollen have similar proteins and can cause your immune system to react in a similar way. The body releases histamine and antibodies to fight the proteins, causing allergy-related symptoms.
You may also be allergic to other vegetables and herbs in the parsley-carrot family. These include:
Parsnip Parsley Anise Coriander Celery Dill Caraway Dill Coriander

4. Possible complications?

Although a carrot allergy is uncommon, it can cause serious complications for some people. Occasionally, a systemic reaction can occur, known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can happen even if you've only had a mild allergy to carrots in the past. It is potentially fatal and requires immediate medical attention.
Anaphylaxis can begin with mild allergic symptoms, such as itchy eyes or runny nose, within minutes or hours of exposure to an allergen. Other symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
Swelling of the mouth, lips and throat Wheezing Gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. If anaphylaxis increases and is left untreated, you can experience shortness of breath, dizziness, low blood pressure and even death.
If you or someone else seems to have an anaphylactic allergic reaction, call your local emergency service and get medical help right away.
If your doctor is concerned about your allergies and anaphylaxis, you may be prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), which you will need to carry with you at all times.

5. Where could this allergen hide?

You would think that a brightly colored food like a carrot would always be visible to the eye, but that's not always the case. Because of their earthy sweetness, carrots are often used as an ingredient in products that you wouldn't normally suspect. If you are allergic to carrots, be careful when you check labels and ask about ingredients when you eat out.
Products that may include carrots are:
Bottled sauces Packaged rice mixes Fruit and vegetable juices Fruit smoothies Fruit smoothies "Green" blended health drinks Some soups, such as soups Chicken or vegetable soup Canned stews Prepared roasts, brisket, and other roasts Cook broth Carrot cakes can also be found in some personal hygiene products, such as:
Face Facial Mask Cleanser Cleanser

6. When to see your doctor

If you experience an allergic reaction to carrots, you should see your doctor while the reaction is occurring or soon after. If your allergy symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor. Your doctor may recommend that you use an over-the-counter antihistamine to control or relieve your symptoms.
If you experience any symptoms of anaphylaxis, you should seek medical attention immediately.
If you have or suspect you have a carrot allergy, talk to your doctor. Many medications can help you control or reduce your allergy symptoms. The best way to avoid symptoms is to avoid carrots and products containing carrots. And it's important that you read all product labels.

7. What can I use instead?

Substitutes
Pumpkin Sweet Potato Squash Carrots are an excellent source of beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. If you can't eat carrots, the best way to make sure you're getting enough of this important nutrient is to use other foods. same bright orange color. Pumpkins and sweet potatoes are both excellent sources of beta carotene. They can often be used as a substitute for carrots in many recipes.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: healthline.com