Citrus allergies are rare, but can cause mild to life-threatening symptoms. Itching, tingling, and hives are common signs, while anaphylaxis is a serious reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Intestinal discomfort from citrus is not a true allergy.
Signs of an allergic reaction to citrus range from symptoms that cause mild discomfort, such as itching, to potentially life-threatening reactions. Citrus allergies are rare, and most people who have a citrus allergy show only mild symptoms. Individuals who are severely allergic to citrus fruits can experience anaphylaxis, a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. In some cases, individuals may not digest citric acid or other components of citrus fruits, but this is not a true allergy.
All allergies occur when the human body overreacts to a foreign substance. This overreaction causes the immune system to attack parts of the body itself. In most cases, this is much less serious than it sounds and involves only minor discomfort, such as the sneezing and watery eyes associated with hay fever. Food allergies are among the most common types of allergic reactions, although citrus allergies aren’t particularly common.
Some indications of an allergic reaction to citrus fruits or any other food can be concentrated in the lips and mouth. Itching or tingling after consuming citrus fruits is a common reaction and is one of the typical signs of an allergic reaction to citrus fruits. The face and throat may also react when citrus fruits are consumed by an allergic person. The throat may feel tight or uncomfortable, and the face may itch or turn red.
Hives that appear after eating fruit can also be indicators of an allergic reaction to citrus fruits. These raised red and pink spots appear quite suddenly. They typically itch fiercely and can appear anywhere on the body, not just near the mouth. They can appear quickly after eating or can take some time to manifest. A doctor should be consulted if hives appear, as they could be a symptom of anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis can occur due to a food allergy. This is an extremely serious type of allergic reaction, which can prove fatal if left untreated and requires immediate and urgent medical attention. In this type of reaction, an individual’s entire body is wracked with allergy symptoms. Shortness of breath, dizziness, and difficulty breathing are common, as is anxiety. There may also be severe facial swelling or the appearance of a blue tint to the skin.
A much less severe reaction to citrus fruits occurs in some individuals who cannot digest these foods. This type of reaction typically causes intestinal discomfort, but this discomfort is not a true allergic reaction to citrus, as the immune system is not involved. Avoiding citrus fruits is still recommended for people experiencing this type of discomfort, but medications that limit allergic reactions won’t help.
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