However, not everyone can enjoy cherries.
A cherry allergy is rare, but it can happen, especially in people who have pollen allergies.
Like otherfood allergies, a cherry allergy is a serious condition.
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It pops up if a persons immune system overreacts to a harmless food protein known as anallergen.
This article will discuss the symptoms, complications, and treatment of a cherry allergy.
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Primary vs.
Secondary Allergy
Cherry allergies can be classified as primary or secondary food allergies.
With a primary allergy, the reaction is triggered when the allergen makes contact with the intestinal mucosa.
A secondary allergy often appears in older children and adults who have an existing primary allergy topollen.
The medical term for this condition isoral allergy syndrome(OAS), which is also called cross-reactivity.
What Is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include hives, swollen throat, chest tightness, stomach cramps, and difficulty swallowing.
Treatment
Avoiding raw cherries is the best way to treat a cherry allergy.
Most people can tolerate cooked cherries since the protein is altered by heat.
For a primary cherry allergy, however, cherries should be eliminated altogether.
Severe reactions can be treated with epinephrine.
Immunotherapy(allergy shots) against pollen may also be beneficial in people with severe OAS.
Canned cherries are also more likely to be tolerated and can make a good substitute for fresh cherries.
Summary
Although cherry allergies are uncommon, they can occur.
Keeping a food diary and writing down symptoms can help you pinpoint which foods are triggering your symptoms.
It can also help your allergist diagnose and treat your food allergy.
Cherry allergies can come and go.
Symptoms may be worse during allergy season when pollen peaks.
However, a cherry allergy is unlikely to go away once it’s developed.
The most common fruit allergies include peach, apple, and kiwi.
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American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Pollen food allergy syndrome.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
Sussman G, Sussman A, Sussman D.Oral allergy syndrome.CMAJ.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Oral allergy syndrome (OAS).
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