Could there be an allergy to grapes? This question is asked by many people, because this product appears on every table from time to time. It is proved that in its composition there is a mass of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are so necessary for the normal functioning of the body.
Why is there an allergy to grapes? What symptoms are accompanied by a similar reaction of the body? Should I worry about this? What treatment methods can modern medicine offer? The answers to these questions interest many people.
general information
It's no secret that grapes are an extremely healthy product. It contains much-needed vitamins (ascorbic acid, B vitamins), minerals (grapes are rich in potassium), as well as fiber, useful organic acids and enzymes that stimulate digestion.
Grape juice is recommended for diseases of the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract. Also, this product contains a huge amount of antioxidants that protect body cells from the negative effects of free radicals, activate regenerative processes and inhibit the aging process.
However, not all people can consume this product in unlimited quantities, since it belongs to the group of allergens. For one reason or another, the immune system of some people inadequately responds to substances contained in berries or on their surface, which is accompanied by the appearance of rashes on the skin, edema and other disorders. Most often, children are sensitive to this product, although an allergy to grapes in an adult is also possible.
The main causes of allergies
Why is there an allergy to grapes? As already mentioned, such a violation is associated with hypersensitivity of the immune system, therefore, in this case, there is a genetic predisposition. People who have allergies in their genus are at risk.
It is worth noting that the reaction from the immune system can be associated with the influence of various factors.
- Allergies often develop due to hypersensitivity to substances found directly in grapes.
- In addition, the reaction of the immune system may be associated with the formation of products of decay and fermentation in the intestine. For example, this is observed with dysbiosis or digestive disorders - grapes are not completely absorbed by the body.
- Allergies can be caused by fungal spores, plant pollen, or chemicals that are present on the surface of the grape skins (which is why it is so important to wash and cook the food properly).
Allergy to grapes on the skin: the main symptoms
It is worth immediately saying that the reaction of the immune system to this product may be accompanied by various symptoms. The most common allergy to grapes on the skin. In such cases, redness with a small rash appears in some areas of the tissue. Skin allergies can appear on the skin of the face, hands, chest.
Patients complain of burning and itching. Eating grapes can be accompanied by the development of urticaria - a blistering rash on the skin, which in appearance resembles burns from contact with nettles.
Also, swelling of soft tissues can be attributed to the list of symptoms - the skin in the affected areas becomes swollen.
Grape Allergy: Symptoms of Oral Dermatitis
Oral dermatitis is a type of skin lesions, however, in this case, signs of an allergic reaction are localized in areas around the lips.
Allergies to grapes are often accompanied by irritation of the skin around the lips. Swelling of the tongue, palate, inner surface of the cheeks, and mucous membrane of the lips is also observed. Sometimes there is a sensation of a lump in the throat. Often patients complain of unpleasant itching and burning. The skin around the mouth turns red, covered with a small bubble rash. The list of symptoms includes the sensation of itching in the ears.
Respiratory allergies
Quite often, hypersensitivity is accompanied by a violation of the respiratory system.
- Sometimes there is swelling of the mucous membranes of the larynx. This, of course, prevents a person from breathing normally, swallowing and talking.
- Symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing. The appearance of copious mucous discharge from the nose. Some patients complain of constant burning and itching in the nasal passages. By the way, often this is how an allergy to grapes manifests itself in a child. In adults, such symptoms are possible, but rarely recorded.
- In the most severe cases, the use of this product causes a persistent spasm of the bronchi. A patient with these symptoms needs to be rushed to the hospital.
Diagnostic measures: what do doctors pay attention to?
Allergy is a problem that requires a thorough diagnosis. After all, it is very important to accurately determine what exactly causes the reaction from the immune system. That is why patients are advised to keep a nutrition diary and carefully monitor their health and the appearance of certain symptoms.
A blood test will also help diagnose allergies - during a laboratory test, you can detect an increase in the level of immunoglobulin E. In the future, skin tests are mandatory. The specialist carefully makes minor scratches on the patient’s skin and applies a solution of the suspected allergen. In the presence of hypersensitivity, the skin turns red and swells slightly after contact with the substance. So you can find out whether the reaction is associated with grapes.
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is also performed to help determine the presence of cross-allergies.
Drug treatment of the disease
What to do in the presence of hypersensitivity? This question is asked by many people, especially if an allergy to grapes in a child has been diagnosed. After all, it is not always possible to constantly monitor what the baby eats.
Drug treatment boils down to taking antihistamines. These drugs block histamine receptors, thereby blocking the further development of an allergic reaction. Such medications help relieve swelling of the mucous membranes, eliminate cramping, itching and other symptoms of hypersensitivity.
The list of antihistamines include "Diphenhydramine", "Chlorphenamine", "Chifenadine", "Clemastine." These are effective, potent drugs, which, unfortunately, also have sedative properties, so you can not always take them.
Today, second-generation medicines — Loratadin, Tavegil, Suprastin, and Levocetirizine — are most often used. Of course, it is worthwhile to understand that these drugs only relieve symptoms, and do not eliminate the cause of the disease.
Other treatments
Allergy to grapes is a serious problem and should not be ignored. Antihistamines are not able to get rid of hypersensitivity, therefore, first of all, doctors advise to exclude this product from the diet.
In this case, it is extremely important to keep a food diary. For example, in some patients, only fresh grapes cause an allergic reaction, while dried berries, sauces, wines and other products containing this component are quite safe. In addition, increased sensitivity may be associated not with grapes themselves, but with pesticides, pollen and other substances that are not contained inside the berry, but on its surface - in such cases, it is enough to thoroughly clean the skin from contaminants and adhere to the rules of heat treatment.
Unfortunately, getting rid of allergies is difficult. Only the desensitization method can be considered effective. This therapy is quite laborious - for a long time the patient is administered small doses of a substance that provokes a reaction from the immune system. Thus, the body gradually adapts to the effects of the allergen and "learns" to respond to it adequately.