In some cases, you might have atrue allergyin which citrus triggers a specific and sometimes severeallergic reaction.
Allergens are proteins that serve as the “ID tag” for a specific substance.
If you have a citrus allergy, your immune system is reacting to a specific protein in the fruit.
Verywell / Zorica Lakonic
True Allergy vs. Cross-Reactivity
Citrus allergies are known to be rare.
True citrus allergies may even be rarer given that many are thought to be due to allergic cross-reactivity.
Cross-reactivity is especially high with cit s 2 (profiling).
With citrin, cross-reactivity is most common with cashews or pistachios.
Unlike a true allergy or allergic cross-reactivity, ACD doesnotinvolve IgE.
The reaction is often delayed, usually only manifesting with symptoms after two or more days.
Allergic Reaction or Food Sensitivity?
Hives can also occur.
Reactions like these are not considered an allergy because they do not involve IgE.
Citric acid has neither been identified as an allergen nor a cause of citrus allergies.
Truefood allergiesusually cause symptoms within several minutes to two hours of eating a food.
Studies suggest that Asian people and people allergic to cit s 3 may be at greater risk.
In such cases, more complicated (and costly) tests can be ordered to make the determination.
Treatment
The best way to treat citrus allergy is to avoid citrus fruits.
You will also need to avoid products that contain citrus, particularly if you have ACD.
If your allergy is mild, you’ve got the option to try takingantihistamines.
This may help reduce symptoms like itching in the mouth.
If you have a skin allergy,topical hydrocortisonemay help.
People at risk of anaphylaxis should carry anEpiPen.
This prefilled auto-injector contains a dose ofepinephrine(adrenaline) which helps counter the effects of anaphylaxis and preventsshock.
It is important to keep your EpiPen with you at all times in case of a severe reaction.
For severe cases, an allergist may recommendallergy immunotherapy.
It can be delivered by injection, oral drops, or dissolvable sublingual (under the tongue) film.
With allergy shots, initial treatment can last from four to six months with follow-up injections thereafter.
Summary
Citrus allergy is rare.
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