Having a banana allergy is linked to a latex allergy. The proteins present in the rubber tree, which produce latex are the main cause of allergy. These proteins are similar to the proteins found in certain fruits, such as banana.
Causes of Banana Allergy
- Allergy to bananas is possible due to the presence of protein chitinase. The inability of the human body to break down chitinase triggers the immune system, which in turn produces immunoglobulin E, antibodies to the allergens. These antibodies further produce histamine that acts on different areas of the body, such as eyes, nose, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and skin to produce undesirable symptoms. Such a reaction is a type 1 allergy, a type of hypersensitivity produced by the immune system.
- Pollen is another possible trigger that can cause hypersensitivity to banana. If you are allergic to birch pollen, the chances of being allergic to banana are higher. In some cases, allergy to banana arises when an individual comes in contact with the fresh fruit. While cooking the banana may reduce the risk of allergy in some individuals.
- The immune system and gut defense system is undeveloped in infants. Banana sensitization in infants can be due to early exposure to banana allergens to infants. These allergens can pass through the mother to the baby through breast milk.
Banana Allergy Symptoms & Signs
Signs and symptoms may appear quickly after the fruit is consumed. It may involve the mouth, skin and the gastrointestinal tract. If left untreated, it can have life-threatening effects. During such a phase, immediately consult your health-care provider.Itching can spread to the different areas of the body, such as mouth, skin, eyes, and throat. In severe cases, it can further lead to rashes, swelling and redness causing pain and discomfort to the affected individuals.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms:
Banana allergy causes a wide variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, which include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Abdominal cramps
- Wheezing
- Sneezing
- A runny nose
- Suffocation or difficulty in breathing
- Swelling of the throat
- Difficulty in swallowing
Anaphylactic shock is rare, but a life-threatening systemic reaction. It can lead to low blood pressure, low pulse rate, light-headedness, loss of consciousness and can further progress towards shock.
Diagnosis and Tests of Banana Allergy
It is important to quickly diagnose the condition and start with the treatment. Here’s how you can find out if you are allergic to banana:No one better than you can describe the signs and symptoms that appear after you consume a banana. Describing your symptoms in detail will help the doctor understand the condition better. Inform the doctor about your banana intake and the amount of time after which the symptoms appeared. You must also tell him if you have experienced the same situation before. A person with a positive history of banana allergy may go through some more tests.
Skin-Prick Test:
To diagnose a banana allergy, your doctor may use skin-prick test, which is safe, inexpensive and gives immediate results. During this test, your doctor gently pricks the skin and applies a solution containing the banana allergen. This solution enters into the skin and is then left untouched for the next 20-30 minutes. After 30 minutes, if the test is positive or if you are allergic to banana, a bump and redness of the skin will appear.
Prick-Prick Testing:
During this test, the banana allergen is lightly pricked into the skin. It is advisable for individuals with a positive banana allergy history, but a negative skin-prick test.
This is a blood test, which measures antibody immunoglobulin E in the blood. During a banana allergy, the immune system over-reacts and produces immunoglobulin E to protect the body from the allergen. An elevated level of immunoglobulin E is a clear indicator of banana allergy.
Risk Factors
- Individuals with latex allergy are at an increased risk of developing a banana allergy. This is possible because both latex and banana have similar allergy-causing proteins.
- People with pollen allergy often react to banana
- Having asthma increases the chances of having banana allergy
- A family history of banana allergy can put you at a risk of allergy too
- A history of oral allergy syndrome with any kind of food
Treatment of Banana Allergy
- Mild allergy to banana can be treated with anti-histamines. During an allergy, the body cells produce histamine, which gives rise to symptoms such as itchiness, runny nose and eyes, and Treatment with anti-histamines can counteract the symptoms and give relief to the affected individual.
- Completely eliminating banana and food products that have a banana as their ingredient can be beneficial for individuals with banana allergy.
- In serious cases, your doctor may give you an epinephrine shot. It is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.
Caution
- It’s best that individuals who are allergic to banana must completely avoid it
- Besides this, banana is an ingredient in various food preparations. Intake of such foods is completely unsafe and must be avoided
- Cross-reactive foods, such as kiwi, avocado, melons, papaya, tomatoes, and carrots must be avoided
- If you are sensitive to latex and banana, latex-based objects and toys must be avoided
- Before ordering food at a restaurant, make sure you ask if banana is used in any kind of food preparation
- Cosmetics, such as banana-flavored lip balm must be avoided.
List of Foods to Avoid
Below mentioned are some food items that individuals sensitive to banana must avoid:- Banana-flavored candies
- Banana cakes
- Banana bread
- Banana smoothies and milkshakes
- Desserts made using banana
- Mixed fruit milkshakes and smoothies that contain banana
- Banana ice-creams
- Banana-flavored coffee
- Banana-flavored liquor
