Common Fruit Allergies

A food allergy is caused by the body producing immunoglobin E or IgE antibiodies to a certain food. It is an immune system reaction that occurs after consumption of a particular food. Even a trace of the food can trigger signs and symptoms of a reaction, such as digestive problems, hives, swollen airways and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Treatment for most food allergies involves avoidance of the food and antihistamine treatment. Food allergies affect approximately 6 to 8 percent of children under the age of 3 and about 3 to 4 percent of adults.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to strawberries includes oral allergy symptoms such as swelling of the mouth, throat, gums, tongue, palate and inside the cheeks. A strawberry allergen is also similar to the allergen found in birch pollen. Cooking strawberries does not reduce or remove the allergens, so it is recommended to avoid both raw and cooked strawberries. Stay away from strawberry jam, dried strawberries, strawberry candles, and anything else with strawberries in it.

Like strawberries, kiwi fruit contains a similar allergen to birch pollen. In adults, symptoms of a kiwi allergy are mild but in children it can be more severe. People who are allergic to kiwi should avoid the raw fruit and the juice.

Banana allergies are not very common. Some people may be experiencing an intolerance to the proteins in bananas and not an allergic reaction. People who are allergic to bananas may also be allergic to kiwi fruit and avocado due to the protein chitinase present in all of these fruits.

Citrus fruit allergies are typically rare and have mild symptoms. Typically symptoms include ulcers in the mouth and the appearance of a rash. People who have a food allergy to citrus fruits are advised to avoid pineapple, oranges, plums, musk melons, limes and lemons. Fruit juices made with these fruits should also be avoided. In unavoidable situations, peeling the skin off the fruit may help to decrease the risk of developing citrus fruit allergies.

An allergic reaction to tomatoes may cause a tingling of the lips or in the mouth and a red, itchy rash. People who are allergic to tomatoes may also be allergic to potatoes, peppers and eggplant. Many people who are allergic to tomatoes can not tolerate the IgE protein in the raw tomato, but may be able to tolerate cooked tomatoes.