Mango allergy - from oral syndrome to serious reactions

Food allergy: symptoms

There are two types of reactions to mango: one is a rash, and the other is a severe anaphylactic reaction, in which symptoms affect more than just the area around the mouth.
Rash caused by mango

A mango-induced rash called contact dermatitis is the most common allergic reaction to mango. The rash usually affects the lips and skin around the mouth, but it can affect any area of ​​the body, including the fingers and hands.

It is important to note that a skin rash may not occur until two days after exposure—this is called a delayed hypersensitivity reaction (type IV).

The more your skin is exposed to mangoes, the faster the rash appears and the more severe it is.

Symptoms of contact dermatitis caused by mango include redness, itching, swelling and flaking of the skin. Blisters that resemble a poisonous rash may also appear.

It is the peel of the mango, as opposed to the pulp, that usually causes the rash. In fact, many people who develop contact dermatitis after eating mangoes do not experience any symptoms if they cut the mango and eat it without the peel.

Mango-induced rashes are more commonly reported after picking mangoes or coming into contact with the branches or leaves of the plant, as the plant itself contains urushiol, a substance that commonly causes the rash.

Anaphylactic reaction

Sometimes a mango allergy can cause more than just a superficial rash and can cause a severe allergic reaction that is characterized by a sore throat, swelling, changes in blood pressure and difficulty breathing.

Some people may develop an allergic reaction to mango pulp, although this is much less common than an allergy to mango peel.

Immediately after consuming the product, swelling, itching and redness of the mucous membranes of the mouth, and later of other parts of the body, may appear, since when the allergen enters the general bloodstream, it begins to irritate the nerve endings.

Allergies manifest as rashes, and sometimes rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and digestive disorders. A more serious allergic reaction is Quincke's edema.

As doctoral practice indicates, often allergies to fruits manifest themselves either as skin diseases (the main symptom is rashes on the epidermis, redness and itching) or dyspeptic disorders.

What is known about mango allergy: symptoms, treatment?

Those who experience hay fever are most susceptible to allergies. Children should be carefully introduced to all exotic fruits. If the pollen of familiar plants causes shortness of breath, then the fruits of other countries can complicate the allergic condition and lead to anaphylactic shock.

An allergy is a clear reaction of the body when a chemical element enters the body that is not perceived by it. This is protection through the production of antibodies against harmful particles, like a virus or bacteria.

Manifestations of skin dermatitis should not be confused with food allergies . Mango peel contains some toxic resin, similar in composition to poison ivy. Contact with it can illustrate hives: skin inflammation, peeling and blistering. To avoid this reaction, it is enough to limit the contact of the skin of your hands with the mango using gloves.

Peel may contain toxic resin

Vegetables and fruits are hypoallergenic

The diet of growing children and adults is significantly wider than that of children.

This section contains berries, vegetables and fruits that often cause food allergies. The following products can cause allergic reactions in both children and adults:

1. Yellow and orange fruits - peaches, apricots, all types of citrus fruits (especially lemon), which also irritate the gastric mucosa, pears.
2. Purple fruits and berries - plums, dark grapes, currants, blackberries, blueberries, chokeberries.
3. Red fruits and berries, as mentioned above, are watermelon, cranberries, pomegranate, cherries, etc. In terms of allergenicity, strawberries and wild strawberries are the leaders. Compotes and juices based on them are also allergens.
4. Dried fruits - dates, figs, raisins, dried apricots.
5. Fruits that are unusual for our area - pineapples, mangoes, persimmons, papaya, kiwi, melon, to which the body may react inadequately.

Attention!

It has been confirmed that overripe fruits cause more allergic reactions - not only do they contain more fruit acids, they may already be affected by mold fungi.

Allergens in mango

A huge number of mango varieties are cultivated. Thanks to the research, at least 5 allergenic proteins were found in the fruit.

A study published in the journal Food and Agricultural Immunology in 2001 showed that there are no significant differences in fruit allergenicity depending on the degree of its ripeness.

The following allergens have been characterized:

• Man i 1 is the main allergen,
• Man i 2 is the main allergen,
• Man i 3 – minor allergen, profilin; found both in the peel and in the pulp.

In 2004, scientists from the University of Hamburg[4] proved that mango allergens are not destroyed by thermal and other types of technological processing. Important – there is no significant loss of allergenicity in mango puree and nectars.

The profiling protein Man i 3, which is usually easily degraded, in the case of mangoes is highly resistant to heat and processing.

The peel, leaves, stems and pericarp contain several substances that can cause an undesirable reaction upon contact - cardol, limonene, urushiol, beta-pinene. Some of them are known to cause contact dermatitis. This also applies to other members of the family, such as poison ivy, which also contains urushiols.

diagnostics

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Most people can tell if they have a food allergy when there is a clear cause and effect. If you remember eating mangoes before the rash appeared, you may see this link as obvious. However, if you travel, are exposed to other new foods or skin products, or if you have eaten mango = without developing a reaction in the past, the connection may not be as obvious.

If you develop a rash, you should see your doctor to get a diagnosis, especially if it gets worse quickly. There are several tests used to identify the cause of a skin allergy, including a skin prick or patch test, which can confirm the allergen.

A blood test known as a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) may be used if a coexisting skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis makes the skin test difficult to interpret. In most cases, however, a skin test is a more accurate, faster, and less expensive option.

How does eating mango affect a baby?

If there is no individual intolerance, then your baby will not react to mangoes in any way. And if such a feature appears in it, then I think that you will be able to live for some time without this fruit. Is it true?

If the baby has no allergies or contraindications from the doctor, by consuming one fetus a day, the young mother will be able to improve her condition and here’s why:

• Mango helps in digestion: due to its high amount of fiber and digestive enzymes.
• Good for eyes: high in vitamin A, helps avoid problems such as dryness, itching and night blindness.
• Good for brain development: Glutamic acid helps improve memory and brain function.
• Boosts immunity: Mangoes contain a lot of vitamin C, which is very necessary for strengthening the immune system.

Therefore, do not be afraid to eat mangoes, start with a small portion, and watch your baby’s reaction.

Vegetables and fruits are hypoallergenic

Attention!

Allergies to fruits and vegetables traditionally manifest themselves selectively. In case of an allergic reaction, doctors recommend consuming boiled vegetables more often than raw ones.

For example, raw carrots can simply become a prerequisite for allergies, and boiled carrots - only in exceptional cases.

Potatoes are another common vegetable that sometimes causes allergies due to the high starch content in it. That is why before cooking it is recommended to soak it in water for a couple of hours.

During this time, almost all of the starch will go into the water. If you are intolerant to potatoes, doctors advise replacing them with yams (sweet potatoes) or mashed bananas. In fact, if you are allergic to certain vegetables, it will not be difficult for you to replace them with others that are no less healthy.

The most allergenic vegetables include: tomatoes, carrots, pumpkin, sorrel, celery, eggplant, red peppers, beets, radishes, horseradish, sauerkraut. Pickled cucumbers and other vegetables in jars are also included here.

Interesting fact! People who limit their consumption of alcohol and sugar suffer significantly less from allergies.

Possible cross-reactions

First of all, there is extensive cross-reactivity between individual species of the Sumacaceae family and genus (for example, pistachios and cashews). But in practice, such reactions do not occur often.

Two isoforms of profilin from mango fruit have been characterized. This protein gives the possibility of such cross-reactions:

Mango allergy has also sometimes been reported in people with latex hypersensitivity, known as latex-fruit syndrome. The specific proteins responsible for this reaction have not yet been identified.

Cross activity was found between pistachios, cashews and mango pits, but this did not apply to the pulp.

When to call 911

Call 911 or get emergency medical help if you experience the following after eating a mango: vomiting, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, lightheadedness, or swelling of the tongue, throat, or face.

Typically, the skin rash resolves on its own within a few days. Over-the-counter anti-itch creams may help relieve the discomfort, but they usually do not clear the rash.

Treatment of contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis around the mouth caused by a reaction to urushiol may respond well to low doses of topical steroids. If the rash does not go away, your doctor may consider treatment with prednisone (a steroid taken by mouth).

Causes

For our region, mango is not a natural fruit, which is why the risk of excessive sensitivity of the body to this fruit increases. There can be several causes of allergies:

• History of allergic reactions.
• Genetics.
• Imperfection of the digestive system or immunity (most often in children)
• Intolerance to certain minerals contained in the fruit.
• Allergy to ascorbic acid (mango contains a lot of vitamin C).

When consuming mangoes, like any other product, you should be careful and take moderation.

Treatment and recommendations of traditional medicine

The first step is to avoid contact with the allergen. It should be borne in mind that mango pulp can be a fruit filler in fermented milk products and be included in juices. Mango extract is often found in cosmetics and perfumes. Mild cases do not require treatment, and health improves by following a hypoallergenic diet.

In moderate and severe cases of the disease, you need to call a doctor or an ambulance. Actions of relatives before the doctor arrives:

• place the patient in bed with the lower limbs slightly elevated;
• provide access to fresh air;
• give more water to drink;
• control blood pressure;
• If there is swelling of the larynx, place the patient on his side so that the sunken tongue does not block the airway.
• If you have an antihistamine in your home medicine cabinet, give one tablet.

Only a doctor can administer medication to children!

Drug therapy

If an allergy is confirmed, the doctor prescribes antihistamines: Claritin, Zyrtec, Zodak, etc. (see in more detail “Antihistamines in the treatment of allergies: mechanism of action and classification”). They are the main drugs that prevent the production of histamine and relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction. In pediatrics, children's drops Fenistil are used, the drug in tablets is Erius.

Sorbents help remove the allergen, excess serotonin and histamine from the body. The most commonly used:

Creams and ointments are used to relieve itching and heal skin rashes:

• non-hormonal - Bepanten, Zinocap, Fenistil, etc.;
• hormonal - Akriderm, Advantan.

Glucocorticosteroids are recommended to be used only as prescribed by a doctor!

Treatment with medications must be combined with traditional medicine.

Traditional medicine

Traditional recipes that improve overall well-being:

1. Ginger root is grated on a coarse grater and added to tea. The healing root not only has antihistamine properties, but also removes toxins from the body.
2. 1 tsp mumiyo is diluted in 1 liter of water. Take 0.5 tbsp. 3 times a day. The product mobilizes the body's defenses.
3. Egg shells crushed to a powder are applied internally on the tip of a knife 3 times a day before meals.
4. Infusion of chamomile. 1 tbsp. pour boiling water over the flowers, leave for 1 hour, filter. Take a decoction of 1/3 tbsp. 3 times a day.

Folk remedies used to relieve itching and skin irritation:

• lotions made from chamomile infusion and soda solution prepared in a ratio of 1:3;
• baths from an infusion of herbs: calendula, string, nettle, chamomile;
• lubricating the affected areas of the skin with olive oil.

Prevention of the development of allergic diseases

Preventive measures for allergies include:

• following a hypoallergenic diet with the exclusion of potential allergenic foods;
• hardening the body, playing sports to increase the body’s immune forces;
• rejection of bad habits.

Eating mangoes and developing an allergy to the peel and pulp of the fruit is quite possible. Allergic reactions are dangerous for a certain number of patients and young children. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and strengthening the immune system reduces the likelihood of dangerous symptoms.

Features in childhood

A child's body is more vulnerable, especially in the first years of life; many systems are still immature. Accordingly, due to incompletely formed protective functions and a sensitive immune system, children are much more susceptible to various allergens.

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In children, any exotic product can cause a severe allergic reaction. Mangoes should be introduced into the diet with extreme caution, since due to an imperfect digestive and respiratory system, allergies can be an extremely dangerous process and pose a threat not only to health, but even to life.

Treatment with medications

Proper treatment of allergies is mandatory; it will relieve complications and further health problems. It is important to protect the child from allergens and irritants and provide drug therapy. The course of treatment differs for patients of different age categories. It is common to take antihistamines and local skin treatment. Medicines are prescribed exclusively by a specialist.

In case of food allergies, doctors always prescribe the enterosorbent Enterosgel in a course to remove allergens. The drug is a gel soaked in water. It gently envelops the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, collects allergens from them and removes them from the body. An important advantage of Enterosgel is that allergens are firmly bound to the gel and are not released in the lower intestines. Enterosgel, like a porous sponge, absorbs mainly harmful substances without interacting with beneficial microflora and microelements, so it can be taken for more than 2 weeks.

Contract dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a disease that affects the upper layers of the skin (epidermis). It appears as a result of exposure to an irritating allergen on the immune system and the body as a whole. Infants, one-year-old children and older children are susceptible to pathology.

Contact dermatitis for a young child is a common occurrence, since the immune system is not fully formed. It can appear for any reason, even a minor one. The environment plays an important role. Dirt in the house and irregular personal hygiene greatly increase the chances of illness.

• skin redness, swelling;
• the appearance of keratinized areas prone to severe peeling;
• painful vesicles filled with clear fluid or pus;
• burning, itching (sometimes the pain is almost unbearable).

An unpleasant rash usually affects places where clothing always adheres (legs, arms, back, neck). Less often it appears on the face.

Therapy for newborns

Some doctors deny congenital allergies as an independent pathology. It occurs due to the fault of the mother, often unintentionally. This is caused by the consumption of allergens in food, bad habits, and previous diseases. In addition, allergies can appear in the first days or months of life.

First of all, a nursing mother should review her diet, eliminating all possible allergens. For bottle-fed infants, a hypoallergenic or lactose-free formula is selected.

In acute cases of the disease, antihistamines are indicated for children under 1 year of age:

• Fenistil drops (contraindicated for up to 1 month);
• Cetrin drops (from six months);
• Zyrtec drops (from six months) (we recommend reading: instructions for use on Zyrtec drops for newborns).

For a rash, local treatment is prescribed (smear 2 times a day):

• Fenistil gel (relieves itching, soothes the skin);
• Bepanten (moisturizes, improves tissue regeneration);
• Weleda (German cream containing natural ingredients);
• Elidel (an anti-inflammatory drug prescribed after 3 months).

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Food poisoning: main symptoms

The main signs of food poisoning are:

- short incubation period - from 1 to 6 hours; - rapid development of the disease; - widespread damage - symptoms of poisoning in everyone who consumed the product.

- heat; – decreased or lack of appetite; – asthenia; – diarrhea; - abdominal pain; – bloating; - nausea and vomiting; – cold sticky sweat; - low pressure; - cardiopalmus.

Poisoning can also cause:

- visual impairment or complete loss; - decreased muscle tone; - increased salivation; - brain damage (hallucinations, delirium, coma); - damage to the peripheral nervous system (paralysis and the like).

How to prevent food poisoning

What should you do to avoid food poisoning?

Of course, no one is immune from toxic infection. Some types of food or drinks may look normal and not have a specific odor.

Still, you can radically reduce your chances of getting food poisoning if you follow a few simple rules.

1 Store food correctly

No matter how trivial it may sound, what should be stored in the refrigerator should be stored in the refrigerator. At the temperature indicated on the label. And no longer than the period indicated on the label.

2 Maintain hygiene

Wash your hands before eating and, of course, before preparing food. Keep the kitchen clean. Wash dishes carefully.

3 Don't drink tap water

We are not in Germany or Denmark. In Ukraine, tap water is hardly suitable for drinking even by dogs and cats, not to mention humans.

4 Be careful when purchasing products

Especially things like fish, meat and mushrooms. Also carefully check the expiration dates of dairy products.

5 Don't eat questionable food on the street or in low-quality eateries

It is not a fact that cooks maintain hygiene even in reputable restaurants. But there are at least good reasons to hope for it.

And although the soul of even the most sophisticated esthete sometimes asks for shawarma or belyash, try to wait until the nearest reputable cafe.

Symptoms of the disease

The clinical picture of the problem, as a rule, appears immediately after eating the fruit. In some patients, symptoms may appear some time after eating. This problem, like other types of food allergies, manifests itself primarily in the gastrointestinal tract.

Manifestations of allergies:

• Severe nausea, vomiting;
• Pain in the abdomen, stomach;
• Redness of the skin, mucous membranes;
• Runny nose, allergic type cough.

Particularly sensitive people may develop anaphylaxis - quite serious reactions that pose a direct threat to the patient’s life. Therefore, you cannot ignore the slightest disruption in the functioning of the body after eating mango. This is especially true for people prone to allergic reactions.

Important: allergies often occur not to the whole fruit, but to its peel. There have been cases where peeled mangoes did not cause allergic reactions. This may be due to the fact that a large number of allergens are concentrated in the peel. And at the same time, even after characteristic signs appear, it is difficult to determine on your own what exactly the mango caused the problem.

After visiting a doctor, you must undergo an examination and take the recommended tests. Only based on the results of laboratory tests will an allergist be able to confirm the diagnosis and recommend effective therapy.