In our article we will talk about the allergic intolerance of garlic. What is characteristic of such a reaction? What are the signs of a garlic allergy? How to deal with a pathological phenomenon? Could an allergy to garlic be hazardous to health? We will try to answer these and other questions below.
Causes
Does garlic cause allergies? This product can actually lead to improper nutritional reactions of the body. The reason is the presence in its composition of a specific substance alliin lyase. When a substance enters the gastrointestinal tract, the immune system begins to show rejection of such an element. In most cases, a negative reaction is noted only when eating garlic in a raw, unprocessed form.
As you know, the presented plant is used in folk medicine as an effective antiseptic. However, people who are prone to food allergies often have to give up such a product for the treatment or prevention of infectious diseases.
An allergy to garlic occurs when the body mistakenly perceives alliin lyase as a pathogenic substance that is dangerous to health. The result is the entry into the blood of a significant amount of immunoglobulins, which begin to fight such an allergen. Antibodies actively produce histamine, which leads to the manifestation of allergy symptoms.
In some situations, there may be an incorrect reaction of the body to the aroma of garlic. Volatile substances that contain alliin lyase come into contact with the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs, which results in excessive tissue irritation.
Allergy: Symptoms in Adults and Children
A variety of symptoms can be a sign of the development of abnormal reactions to the presented stimulus. So, the symptoms of garlic allergy:
- inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, periodic sneezing, rhinitis, filling the sinuses with fluid;
- sensation of overthroat in the throat, urge to cough, swelling of the respiratory tract, shortness of breath;
- conjunctivitis, redness of the eyeball, increased lacrimation, swelling of the eyelids, a feeling of pain in the eyes in bright light;
- the appearance of a skin rash throughout the body, the formation on the surface of the epidermis of blisters filled with a transparent substance;
- indigestion: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn;
- increase in body temperature;
- lowering blood pressure.
The allergen in question can affect the malfunctioning of a number of organs and systems.
What is the danger of garlic allergy for children?
The fragile body of babies is far from always able to adequately respond to allergy manifestations. Even when inhaling the aroma of garlic, rashes may appear on the baby's body, which differ in a bright pink tint. The following itch brings a lot of discomfort. The exposure of the allergen to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract often leads to swelling of the larynx, the development of pain when swallowing, shortness of breath.
The danger is also an incorrect reaction from the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, parents should protect the baby from eating dishes containing garlic.
Diagnostics
To confirm a disappointing diagnosis, patient complaints about the negative effects of contact with garlic are not enough. It is extremely important to collect a comprehensive history. A significant role is played by special tests that confirm or refute the allergic reaction to the presented stimulus.
One of the most reliable diagnostic methods is a skin test. The essence of the procedure is to perform several skin incisions in the upper limb. Separate allergens are dripped here from the pipettes, and then the body's reactions are noted. Based on the test results, conclusions can be drawn about hypersensitivity to substances in garlic or any other irritant.
The second effective solution for confirming the diagnosis is a blood test to determine the concentration of immunoglobulin E in its structure. It is the antibodies of this group that provoke the occurrence of allergy symptoms. It is worth noting that the method has no contraindications, and the results of the analysis are extremely reliable.
Drug therapy
In addition to excluding garlic from the diet, a number of pharmacological preparations can be prescribed in order to treat allergies. Most often, people who suffer from such a problem are prescribed antihistamines. Among the most effective drugs in this category are Suprastin, Tavegil, Klorotadin, Claritin, Zodak. However, such medicines have a number of side effects in the form of development of drowsiness, inhibition of the nervous system. Therefore, do not resort to the unauthorized use of these drugs. In order not to have unnecessary health problems, it is worthwhile to consult an allergist in advance.
There are many good medicines combined action. We are talking about such drugs as Telfast, Zirtek, Allegra. The active substances in their composition neutralize allergens, in a short time remove them from the body and prevent the occurrence of tissue edema.
In order to quickly absorb allergens in the intestine, enterosorbents are used: Polysorb, Polyphepan, activated carbon, Enterosgel. Such medications help cleanse the blood, facilitate the reaction of the digestive organs to irritants.
To eliminate the wrong reactions from the skin, some external products help. We are talking about the drugs "Lokoid" and "Sinaflan." In the most dangerous for health, severe situations, corticosteroids Hydrocortisone and Prednisolone are prescribed. The latter is recommended to be used only after consulting a doctor.
Alternative methods of treatment
With negative skin reactions to an allergen in the composition of garlic, it is worth resorting to the external use of medicinal herbal decoctions. The most effective for eliminating the rash are medicines prepared on the basis of hops, nettles and elderberries. Such plant materials are poured with boiling water, infused, and then used as lotions. A fairly effective remedy is also considered primrose flower oil, which effectively alleviates the symptoms of garlic allergy in adults.
Prevention
The best way to prevent an allergy to garlic is to resort to appropriate preventative measures. It is important to protect yourself from contact with such a product. It is not only about eliminating garlic from the diet, but also getting rid of tactile contact and inhaling its aroma. It is necessary to ensure that the ingredient is not present in ready-made dishes that are ordered in a restaurant or purchased in a supermarket.
What to do to people who need to include a product in the diet, based on its nutritional and medicinal value? In such situations, an allergy to garlic can be prevented by high-quality, long-term heat treatment of the fruits of this plant. Thus, it is possible to neutralize alliin lyase, which acts as the causative agent of abnormal reactions of the body. Naturally, exposure to high temperature on garlic will not allow you to keep absolutely all the nutrients in the product.
Precautionary measures
As you can see, there are many ways to deal with an allergy to garlic. So that the problem does not make itself felt, it is important to be careful when eating food, which may contain the product. Kitchen utensils that have ever been used for chopping or cooking garlic should be well cleaned. Periodic ventilation of the rooms will also help get rid of the appearance of unpleasant symptoms.