Kiwi Allergy: Symptoms and Treatment
In case of a kiwi allergy, affected persons react with symptoms such as itching and inflammation to the consumption of kiwis. You should know about this!
What’s a Kiwi allergy?
A kiwi allergy often occurs in adults in combination with another allergy, i.e. as part of a so-called cross-allergy. For example, people who are allergic to pollen often also suffer from a food allergy to various types of fruit such as apples, pears or kiwis. The kiwi allergy can cause various allergic reactions (e.g. in the mouth and throat), which usually occur within minutes of eating the fruit.
The easiest way to live with the allergy is to avoid eating kiwis. In fact, however, a kiwi allergy is not always present in every case. Often patients “only” suffer from an intolerance to kiwis, for example as a result of enzyme effects. But this can also cause unpleasant symptoms. It is important to take food intolerance seriously and not to eat the affected food. What exactly causes the symptoms can be clarified by a diagnosis by a doctor.
How often does a Kiwi allergy occur?
Due to the frequent incompatibility there are no really reliable figures on how often the Kiwi allergy occurs. However, experts assume that an allergy to kiwis is quite common compared to other food allergies. In general, it is not only adults who can suffer from a cross-allergy, children can also be affected. In their case, however, it is not the cross-allergy that is decisive, but an allergen in the kiwi itself. Allergies or food intolerances in children often disappear on their own with increasing age.
Symptoms of Kiwi allergy
Kiwi allergy mainly causes discomfort in the mouth and throat, but other typical allergic reactions can also occur. The following symptoms are common:
- Itching, e.g. on the palate
- Stomatitis
- Bubble formation
- Sniffles
- Hives
- Swelling of the mucous membranes
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Cough
Allergic symptoms – Caution with shortness of breath!
In the worst case, shortness of breath may occur – in this case, the emergency doctor must be called immediately!
Treatment: What to do in case of kiwi allergy?
Anyone suffering from an allergy to fruits such as kiwis should avoid eating them. If the kiwi is eaten unconsciously, one should pay close attention to the symptoms that occur and see a doctor if necessary. Breathlessness is always considered an emergency.