The kiwi fruit has been referred to as the ‘Chinese gooseberry’ often used as an ingredient in foods such as yogurt, ice cream and fruit salads, all of which must be avoided for those with a kiwi allergy. Originally the kiwi fruit was an exotic import and not widely available, but now it is easy to get a hold off and relatively cheap to acquire. Recent research shows that the kiwi fruit is a very serious food allergen, the research also showed that children and the most likely to become allergic to kiwi. Kiwi allergy symptoms can be very serious and dangerous. For those without a kiwi allergy the kiwi is a fantastic fruit, with large amount potassium, vitamin c, vitamin a, vitamin e, the seeds are also packed with alpha-linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid) In addition to all this, they are also high in fiber and have many anti-oxidant properties.
Kiwi allergy causes
The main reasons behind the allergic to kiwi reactions comes from the fact that the kiwi fruit can cross-react with many other substances and foods, including rye grain, hazelnuts, banana, birch pollen and avocado. Those with a latex allergy will also suffer from a kiwi allergy due to the similar epitopes shared by the two different items, which is also the case with certain other fruits and food items. Some people suffering from latex allergies/birch pollen allergies may still be able to consume kiwi without suffering from a kiwi allergy. The kiwi fruit was only introduced into the american diet in 1962, but it quickly grew to be a popular fruit and many people found themselves allergic to kiwi. It also quickly became one of the most common allergies throughout Europe, for example nearly half of patients suffering from various food allergies in Denmark and Sweden also suffered from a kiwi allergy.
Kiwi allergy symptoms
There are a variety of symptoms for a kiwi allergy, although most of the symptoms are similar to those caused by all other food allergies. The most common reaction for those allergic to kiwi is the swelling and itching of the mouth area, as well as the throat, which is known as oral allergy syndrome, as those of you who have read other articles on this site will know.
Various skin symptoms may also occur after consuming a kiwi, for example those with a kiwi allergy may suffer from itching, rashes eczema and hives, which can be diagnosed by red, swollen, bumpy and itchy skin.
Reactions regarding your respiratory system may also occur, the allergic to kiwi response may produce wheezing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and nasal congestion. In addition to this a kiwi allergy may result in various abdominal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, cramping, pain and diarrhea.
Those who are allergic to kiwi can experience problems with their nervous system, which will show as symptoms such as fainting and dizziness, and could even progress on to anaphylaxis which is a very serious and dangerous allergic reaction to kiwi. Those suffering from anaphylaxis should contact a medical professional immediately.
Anaphylaxis is a very serious allergic reaction which can potentially be life-threatening, symptoms include; tightening of the throat, rapid heart rate, drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. This reaction could also be suffered from other allergies and should be treated as soon as possible, if anaphylaxis goes untreated it can result in coma and potentially death.
Allergic to kiwi treatment
As with most allergies the treatments for a kiwi allergy are fairly basic in terms of treatment, the most obvious and notable treatment for a kiwi allergy is to simply avoid the fruit altogether, thus avoiding the reaction for those who are allergic to kiwi
Allergic to kiwi recap
Throughout this article we have outlined the origin or kiwis, uses, causes behind the allergy and symptoms of kiwi allergy, those who are allergic to kiwi may suffer from a variety of symptoms, the worst of which can result in coma and death.
