Allergies: Bell Peppers
Posted: Thursday, August 12, 2010
by Dr. Carla Goddard
What is the correlation between bell peppers and latex? Surprisingly, between 30% - 50% of people who are allergic to latex are also allergic to plant foods and bell peppers. Allergens in both latex and bell peppers are being studied as cross-reactive allergens. It is well documented and studied that the latex-fruit syndrome is prevalent. All though there is relatively little known about the role of bell peppers in any type of food allergy; some recent studies suggest that the pollen in certain strains indicate that bell peppers have a considerably higher potentially danger for anyone who is also allergic to other profilin.
Jalapeno Pepper is a variety of this species. Tabasco sauce is made from a very hot variety of Bell pepper / Green pepper. Those who have seen an allergic reaction to bell peppers should avoid all these species.
Another recent study has determined that the cross - reactivity allergen prohevein may in fact be the reason for the allergic reaction to both latex and the various species of the the bell pepper. With is information it explains why some persons having the bell pepper family allergy but not an allergy to latex. Depending on which by product of the pepper a person is allergic to.
The bottom line with bell pepper allergies is that the symptomatic of the allergic reaction is the same as any other allergic reaction. Many times it will be noticed in mild symptomatic that gastric disturbance occurs.
Atopic Dermatitis affects one out of ten infants and is caused mostly to allergies and is a sign of an allergy. In an infant this will appear as a rash with small white 'pimples' that are red in center on the infant's cheeks, neck and scalp. It is not a diaper rash. If any of the infected center pimples will ooze fluid and spread over a wider area. In older children it will appear in places such as the inner forearms and the inner elbows. Some may get the 'pimples' on their eyelids and soles of the feet. The difficulty is that this is atopic Dermatitis is a symptom of a number of different allergens from bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.
An allergic reaction may cause hives. When the hives do not go away it is called chronic urticaria which is commonly caused by an allergy. Unlike the 'pimples' of atopic Dermatitis , hives do not have any fluid contained within the centers.
Allergic asthma is another symptom that can occur as a result of allergic reaction. Allergic asthma is characterized with airway obstruction and inflammation which is reversible with medication. Unfortunately, the symptoms of allergic and non-allergic asthma are the same. It can be coughing, wheezing, shortens of breath or chest tightness.
The most serious symptom of allergies is anaphylaxis. This is when the blood vessels widen so much that a person's blood pressure plummets. To start with a person may become flushed, develop a rash, swelling of lips, sweating, paleness leading into abdominal cramps, rapid pulse, fainting, confusion, or convulsions. Anaphylaxis is a life threatening allergic reaction that if not treated quickly (minutes) it can lead to death. In some the symptoms at first do not seem as urgent as they can include itching in the mouth or throat, hoarseness, or feeling the need to urinate.
If you suspect you or your child is having any signs of anaphylaxis dial 911
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