Apples are the most affordable source of vitamins and minerals. They are sold all year round in grocery stores, and their cost does not greatly affect the family budget. However, an allergy can overshadow the life of any person. Red apples most often cause ailment. From this article you will find out what symptoms it is accompanied by and whether it can be eliminated forever.
The benefits of apples
All fruits contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals. Fiber is also their integral component. Among the variety of delicious delicacies, apples are the most popular. They are considered an indispensable product in the human diet. Why?
- High levels of vitamin C have a positive effect on the functioning of the immune system.
- Potassium contributes to the normalization of the endocrine glands, nutrition of the heart muscle.
- A large amount of phosphorus allows calcium to be better absorbed.
- Sodium stabilizes blood pressure, bringing it to average.
Regular consumption of apples positively affects the digestive system. The components contained in them stimulate the production of gastric juice, improving appetite. Unfortunately, the presence of this product in the diet is not always associated with health benefits. For many people, apples cause allergies.
The main causes of the disease
The composition of apples includes a special protein Mal d1. It is he who most often becomes the culprit of an allergic reaction. The amount of this substance in the fruit depends on the shelf life. It is also necessary to know that the level of Mal d1 in the peel is significantly higher than in the pulp. Protein is characterized by sensitivity to high temperatures. When heated, its concentration decreases. It is enough to make mashed apples, bake a pie or make souffle, so that the fruit becomes suitable for consumption by an allergic person.
An equally common cause of the disease is a hereditary predisposition. If mom or dad is allergic to apples, the risk of recurrence of the problem in the child is 50%. When both parents suffer from manifestations of the pathology, the likelihood of its occurrence increases to 90%.
The most serious forms of apple allergies are caused by chemicals that process the fruits to give them a marketable appearance. Small farms use substances that are easily washed off under a stream of warm water. On an industrial scale, fruits are treated with diphenyl (E230). This food preservative prevents the growth of fungi, bacteria and mold. Diphenyl is soluble in benzene and alcohol, but not in water. Its use is permitted on the territory of Russia, Belarus and in the countries of the European Union.
Does color and variety matter?
Scientists have repeatedly made attempts to develop hypoallergenic varieties of apples. The experiments were based on the information that in different types of fruits contains an unequal amount of protein Mal d1. Studies by scientists from Switzerland have shown that the following varieties have the greatest allergic potential:
- Granny Smith
- Coke Orange Pepin.
- Golden Delicious.
Among the hypoallergenic varieties of fruit crops can be distinguished:
- Gloucester.
- Prima.
- Honey Crisp.
- Mantet.
What do experts say about fruit color? Does it affect the severity of the reaction of the body? Allergy most often occurs with coloring pigments. They are contained not only in the peel, but also in the pulp of the fruit. Therefore, doctors recommend using green apples in the diet. They are considered the safest option for allergy sufferers. They have less sugar, but more vitamins and minerals. However, an allergy to green apples is also not excluded.
We recognize the problem ourselves
Hypersensitivity of the immune system can manifest itself in different ways. The main symptoms of the disorder appear in the first few hours after eating fresh fruit. Rashes in the oral cavity, accompanied by severe itching, may indicate the onset of an allergic reaction. There are also other symptoms of intolerance to a sweet treat:
- From the respiratory system: discharge from the nasal passages, nasal congestion, inflammation of the tissues of the mucous membranes, cough.
- From the digestive tract: vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the epigastric region.
- Skin manifestations: redness, soreness and swelling of certain parts of the body.
Allergy to apples is a serious disorder, which can only be confirmed after skin tests. Based on the test results, the doctor discusses treatment options with the patient.
Features of the manifestation of the disease in children
In babies, the first symptom of an allergy to apples is a rash throughout the body. In addition, the body can respond with diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Pediatricians explain this clinical picture with imperfections in the digestive tract and a deficiency of certain enzymes. However, cases of individual intolerance to the product should not be ruled out.
Babies given apples as a first meal usually respond to fruit with diathesis. Almost always, pathology is accompanied by loose stools and severe flatulence. You should not be afraid of such symptoms, but it is better not to rush with complementary foods. Pediatricians are advised to try again in a few months.
The allergy to apples in children is practically the same as the disorder in adults. The only difference is that the child can "outgrow" the ailment and get rid of its symptoms without the help of drugs. The first signs of intolerance usually force parents to exclude a sweet treat from the diet of the child. However, giving up on him for life is not worth it.
Could there be an allergy to apples during pregnancy?
After the conception of a child, the woman’s body begins to change. New taste preferences appear, and once beloved products can cause disgust. If a pregnant woman has discovered intolerance to apples that previously ate in large quantities, you should not be scared. Doctors explain this reaction of the body by a change in hormonal and immune status.
What to do when the first symptoms of the disorder appear? It is necessary to tell about this to the obstetrician-gynecologist who observes pregnancy. For some time, it is better to exclude apples from the diet. With the right approach and observing the recommendations of doctors, an allergic reaction to should affect the health of the baby, as well as the well-being of the woman in the future.
Allergy Treatments
When the first symptoms of intolerance in a child appear, it is necessary to consult an immunologist or pediatrician, as well as to exclude apples from the diet. Depending on the severity of symptoms and disease doctor will prescribe medication. The standard course of therapy includes the use of the following drugs:
- Histamine blockers (Claritin, Suprastin). They help relieve allergy symptoms, improve health. Drugs are prescribed individually. They go on sale in the form of syrup, spray, gel or tablets. In the absence of positive dynamics, it is urgent to replace the medicine.
- Corticosteroids. They are used to facilitate respiratory processes.
- Homeopathic remedies. Appointed in the case of an accurate determination of the source of allergies, require prolonged use.
To cleanse the blood, the doctor sometimes prescribes a procedure called plasmapheresis. With this approach, the positive effect of the treatment can be maintained for several months. In rare cases, immune therapy is prescribed, in which an allergen is introduced into the human body in gradually increasing doses. As a result, stable immunity is developed. The duration of treatment is 3-4 years.
Alternative Medicine Help
What other actions can be taken if an allergy to apples has worsened? Symptoms of the disorder can be quickly removed using folk remedies, such as honey. Lids from honeycombs, healers are advised to add to tea or milk. Improvement is observed after a month.
Another useful remedy is a sage decoction. To prepare it, you need to fill in 100 g of dry leaves of the plant with water, boil for 10 minutes. The resulting drink is recommended to be consumed several times a day until the symptoms disappear completely.
Possible complications
An allergy to apples is a fairly common ailment that requires competent treatment with the use of medications. It is not enough just to exclude fruits from the diet. Neglect of the doctor’s recommendations often results in serious complications. Some patients are constantly harassed by a feeling of fatigue and drowsiness, while others have swelling of the airways leading to chronic bronchial asthma. This is a serious disease that requires qualified medical attention. Its most dangerous manifestation is Quincke's edema. From other pathologies, it differs in the depth of the lesion. Another serious consequence of allergies is anaphylactic shock. The speed of its development can vary from a few seconds to 5 hours. This condition is accompanied by loss of consciousness, a drop in blood pressure and other vital indicators. In 10% of cases, anaphylactic shock results in the death of the patient.
Preventive measures
Is it possible to prevent the occurrence of such an ailment as an allergy? Apples, photos of which stimulate appetite, are considered a useful product. They contain many vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately, intolerance to this sweet treat has to be faced by both adults and children. Allergies can cause not only the protein Mal d1, but also the chemicals present on the peel of the fruit. Therefore, to prevent the ailment, the following rules must be observed:
- Wash fruits under hot running water before use.
- Peel apples.
- Heat the fruits.
- When symptoms of intolerance appear, it is better to exclude apples from the diet.
A rash throughout the body, tearing, respiratory failure - all these signs indicate an allergic reaction. To be sure of its source, you should consult a doctor. After skin tests and a complete diagnosis, a specialist will be able to accurately identify the allergen, suggest measures to eliminate it. Be healthy!