Garlic allergies are rare but can cause severe symptoms such as stomach pain, hives, and shortness of breath. Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to harmless substances, and subsequent reactions can be worse. Garlic intolerances cause unpleasant reactions but are not life-threatening. Antihistamines can reduce symptoms, but those with garlic allergies should avoid garlic-containing foods.
Although garlic is often thought to have health benefits, occasionally people develop an allergy or intolerance to the herb. Garlic allergies are adverse, sometimes dangerous, reactions to ingesting, touching, or breathing in garlic. While food allergies are common, an allergy to garlic is relatively rare, although an intolerance to garlic is slightly more common. Garlic allergy symptoms include stomach pain and vomiting, hives and rashes, and shortness of breath or wheezing.
Allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to harmless substances as if they are a threat. The body makes immunoglobulin E (IgE), a type of antibody, to fight these substances. These antibodies remain in the system after they are produced, binding to various cells, so the next time the allergic person comes into contact with the normally harmless substance, the IgE-coated cells are irritated and large amounts of histamines and other substances are released chemicals. This is why subsequent allergic reactions are often worse than the initial reaction.
Powdered, crushed, or whole garlic can cause reactions in sensitive people. Inadvertently inhaled garlic powder can also cause a reaction. When cutting fresh garlic, topical reactions of allicin, a compound produced when the herb is sliced, can occur.
Although many people use the term “allergy” to mean intolerance, an intolerance is not the same thing as an allergy. An allergy is a severe reaction that often requires a hospital visit to combat and can be life-threatening. An intolerance causes unpleasant, sometimes painful reactions, but is not life-threatening and rarely requires professional medical attention.
Individuals with garlic intolerances will generally have stomach pain, heartburn, or gas when they eat garlic in any form. The more garlic you eat, the greater the reaction will be. Intolerances do not prevent a person from eating garlic and can be combated with stomach-soothing medications. In fact, people with mild intolerances may not feel any ill effects from small amounts of garlic in foods.
Symptoms of garlic allergy also include those seen in intolerances, but are usually more severe, including nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms include swelling of the throat, lips, and tongue, as well as wheezing or coughing due to swollen windpipes. If left untreated, symptoms can become severe enough to cause a drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Itching, rashes, redness, and a runny nose may also occur, particularly when garlic gets on the skin.
There is no cure for garlic allergy. Antihistamines can reduce symptoms, but a person with a garlic allergy should avoid foods with garlic. If suspected, an allergist may administer a test to determine if an allergy is present before garlic is ingested. If garlic is ingested and an allergic reaction is suspected, immediate medical attention should be sought.
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