A mandarin with your tea, and ten minutes later your lips are tingling and spots are appearing on your cheeks. Food allergy is an abnormal immune reaction to food: the immune system mistakenly identifies the food's proteins as dangerous. Below — how to distinguish it from intolerance and when to see a doctor.
What citrus allergy is and why it occurs
Allergy occurs when immunoglobulin E (IgE) binds to food molecules, triggering the release of inflammatory substances such as histamine. Among the most common food allergens are cow's milk, eggs, wheat, nuts, soy, peanuts, fish, and seafood, but allergy is possible to any food. The real prevalence of food allergy is 1.5–2% among adults and about 6% in children, while the number of people who believe they have an allergy is noticeably higher. The risk is higher with a family history, asthma, hay fever, or eczema.
Allergy to mandarins, oranges, lemon, and grapefruit: are there differences
Symptoms can differ each time: sometimes they depend on the amount eaten. Some reactions are oral allergy syndrome: itching in the mouth and throat after raw fruit. Allergy is also often confused with intolerance: intolerance causes bloating and abdominal pain after a few hours, but without involvement of the immune system.
How citrus allergy manifests: symptoms and what the rash looks like
Symptoms usually begin within a few minutes to two hours after eating and can affect different parts of the body at the same time.
- skin itching or raised rash (hives)
- skin redness, tingling or itching in the mouth
- swelling of the lips, face, eyes, tongue
- runny nose, sneezing, cough, wheezing
- nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Dizziness is also possible.
How long orange allergy takes to pass
Symptoms usually begin from a few minutes to two hours after eating, and the reaction lasts from a few minutes to several hours. Sometimes symptoms appear days later.
How citrus allergy is diagnosed
The doctor will ask about symptoms, family history, and other allergies, and will examine you. Skin tests, blood tests, a diagnostic elimination diet, and a food and symptom diary are possible. The oral challenge is considered the most accurate test.
When a reaction to citrus is dangerous and you need to see a doctor
Most food allergy symptoms are not dangerous, but some people may have a severe reaction — anaphylaxis. You should see a doctor if you suspect an allergy in yourself or your child. Do not remove foods from your diet on your own without discussing it with a doctor.
On its own it is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — if the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue suddenly swell, breathing becomes rapid or difficult, a feeling of suffocation appears, the throat tightens and swallowing is difficult, the skin, tongue, or lips turn blue, gray, or pale, the person suddenly becomes confused, drowsy, or dizzy, has lost consciousness and does not wake up, or a child becomes lethargic and does not respond as usual.
This material is for reference: only a doctor during an appointment can make a diagnosis and choose a management approach.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer