Kiwi is also becoming one of the most common food allergies worldwide.
It also discusses kiwi allergy in children and when to seek medical care.
A food allergy can last a lifetime, but some people outgrow them.
Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman
Kiwi allergies can cause symptoms that range from very mild to life-threatening.
You also may notice an increase in food-related symptoms when other allergens are peaking.
In rare cases,anaphylaxiscan occur after eating kiwi.
It’s a life-threatening reaction that involves an inability to breathe.
This reaction is always a medical emergency.
This is called cross-reactivity.
Latex is a natural product thats made using rubber trees and similar plants.
It is used in products such as surgical gloves and condoms.
Kids and adults may not easily connect their symptoms to kiwi.
Allergy testing can be valuable when caregivers are having a hard time pinpointing what triggers a childs symptoms.
A skin prick test is a common and safe way to test for a kiwi or other food allergy.
It can be done on infants as young as one month old.
In restaurants, tell your server about your food allergies as well.
Sometimes, cooking or heating food can lessen or destroy the chemicals that trigger OAS symptoms.
This life-threatening allergic reaction is always a medical emergency.
Those symptoms include:
Treating Mild Reactions
For mild reactions,antihistamineslikeBenadryl (diphenhydramine)may help.
Some people with kiwi allergies are sensitive to papain, a papaya enzyme used to tenderize meats.
When to See a Provider
If you have allergy symptoms after eating kiwi, see a provider.
A provider can also double-check you have an EpiPen and know how and when to use it.
On the severe end, a true kiwi allergy can bring on life-threatening symptoms.
People allergic to kiwi oftenreact to other fruits, vegetables, and pollen.
If you have allergy symptoms after you eat or touch kiwi, see a healthcare provider for allergy testing.
You may need to stay away from kiwis and plants that cross-react with them.
You may also need medications, including an EpiPen, to treat a serious reaction.
2019;18(2):500-513. doi:10.1111/1541-4337.12426
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Progressive pollen food syndrome.
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.How to know a food allergy has been outgrown.
American College of Asthma, Allergy, & Immunology.Food allergies.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Pollen food allergy syndrome.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves first medication to help reduce allergic reactions to multiple foods after accidental exposure.