What Could It Look Like if You’re Allergic to Pineapple?
You’ve eaten or drinken something that has pineapple in it, and you’re not feeling well. Your mouth has a tingling sensation. Parts of your face begin to swell. You’re having problems breathing.
A thought runs through your mind: What is happening right now? This is strange–I’m in good health, and I know I don’t have the cold or the flu, or any other illness. I’ve never had this reaction to food before.
These symptoms could indicate that you could be allergic to pineapple and other tropical fruits. Let’s break down the symptoms, causes, and treatments for a pineapple allergy.
What Are Symptoms of a Pineapple Allergy?
Symptoms of pineapple allergies typically appear after eating or drinking something that has pineapple in it. Some restaurant dishes include tiny bits of pineapple to enhance flavor or mixed cocktails contain pineapple juice. The timeline for this will vary, with some symptoms appearing immediately, and others appearing hours later. Common symptoms of pineapple allergies include:
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Swelling of the face, tongue, throat or lips
- Difficulty breathing
- Facial flushing
- Intense itch or hives
- Constipation
- Sinus congestion
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Anaphylactic shock
Please note that the team at Chestnut Hill Farms are not medical professionals—we are providing this for informational purposes only. We advise readers to seek the advice and counsel of your doctor and other qualified medical providers for a pineapple or tropical fruit allergy.
What Are Common Causes?
Generally, allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance or food that is considered harmful to the body. This reaction causes your immune system to produce chemicals called antibodies, which in turn, trigger the release of histamine. This chemical causes allergy symptoms, such as digestive problems, difficulty breathing, intense itch and hives, and in severe cases, can cause anaphylactic shock.
If you have an allergy, know that you are not alone. Allergies aren’t uncommon: it is estimated that over 30% of the U.S. population has an allergy.
Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples and other tropical fruits, is a common cause for a pineapple allergy. Profilin, a protein found in tropical fruits, is also known to cause allergies.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have A Pineapple Allergy?
If you believe that you have a pineapple allergy, you should make an appointment with an allergist. Allergists are medical professionals that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies.
If you visit an allergist, you should anticipate being asked for the following information:
- What is your medical history? Allergists will likely ask you about your health, allergy symptoms, and your family history. Your family history is important because some allergies—including pineapple allergies— can be genetic.
- What are your symptoms? The allergist will likely ask you about when your allergy symptoms occur, the frequency of these symptoms (e.g., how often do they happen? Does it occur seasonally?), and more. Allergists should also ask you about your career, eating habits, and where you live to see if this impacts your possible allergies.
When you visit an allergist, the doctor will likely ask to conduct a physical exam and allergy tests. Allergy tests come in two forms: skin-based testing and blood testing.
If you need to manage allergy symptoms, consider purchasing safe, over-the-counter medication for allergy relief.
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