Iodine Allergy

Iodine is an essential trace element, which is required by the human body for the production of thyroid hormone. Because iodine is so important, it cannot be an allergen. But in some cases, people are intolerant or allergic to substances mixed with it. Research has found that some individuals get an allergic reaction to iodinated radiological contrast media, seafood or a contact allergy to povidone-iodine antiseptic preparations. Adverse reactions to iodine have occurred in the past but more studies are required to get a clear picture.

Causes of Iodine Allergy

Iodinated Antiseptics
Iodinated antiseptics, for example, povidone-iodine are used for the treatment of bacterial infections of the skin. Application of such an antiseptic may cause rashes or irritant dermatitis in individuals who are sensitive to iodine. However, some studies have found that such an allergic reaction is due to the presence of other allergens in the medication and not iodine.
Iodinated Contrast Dye

Radiocontrast materials contain a small amount of free iodide. It is an agent used in X-rays. Iodinated contrast dyes are responsible for various severe reactions in individuals who are allergic to iodine. That is why individuals are often asked before an X-ray if they are allergic to iodine.
Foods Containing Iodine
Seafood contains a high amount of iodine; hence it may cause undesirable symptoms in individuals with iodine sensitivity. However, more studies are required to understand the effect of foods high in iodine in people with iodine allergy.

Iodine Allergy Symptoms and Signs

Some individuals who are highly sensitive to iodine, exhibit symptoms of iodine allergy when exposed to it.
Symptoms on The Face

Symptoms usually start with the lips and progress towards the entire face. A generalized swelling occurs around the eyes and lips.
Skin-Related Symptoms
Symptoms of iodine allergy are commonly seen on the skin. After an exposure to iodine, individuals sensitive to it develop rashes on the skin. In severe cases, it is associated with redness, pain, and bumps on the skin. Such rashes are usually present on the torso.
Respiratory Symptoms

Iodine allergy also affects the respiratory system. Symptoms include:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Suffocation or shortness of breath
• Spasms of the bronchioles
• Irritation of the throat

Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Exposure to iodine affects the gut and may lead to symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or loose stools

Anaphylaxis
Such a case requires immediate medical attention because it can be life-threatening. Symptoms include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Lightheadedness
• Low blood pressure
• Heart palpitations
• Confusion
• Dizziness

Myths and Misconceptions

It is believed that shellfish is a rich source of iodine. Hence, consumption of seafood may lead to undesirable symptoms in individuals with iodine allergy. But this is not true. Studies have found that iodine is not an allergen.

It is further believed that having a seafood allergy puts you at an increased risk of developing iodine allergies. But there is no evidence that seafood allergy increases the risk of iodine allergy.
Some studies have even reported that the term ‘iodine allergy’ is imprecise because it designates allergies against different substances such as disinfectants with complexed iodine and contrast media with covalently bound iodine.
There is no clear information, whether iodine from foods is the culprit or iodinated contrast media is the cause of such an allergy.

Banana Allergy

A banana allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to proteins present in banana. The allergic reaction takes place after banana is consumed and these reactions can range from mild to life-threatening.

Any adult or child who exhibits certain undesirable symptoms after the intake of banana or banana-based food items must immediately consult their doctor.
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:
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

Respiratory Symptoms:

In severe cases, banana allergy can also affect the respiratory tract. Some common symptoms include:

• Wheezing
• Sneezing
• A runny nose
• Suffocation or difficulty in breathing
• Swelling of the throat
• Difficulty in swallowing

Anaphylactic Shock:
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:

Self-Observation Of Symptoms:
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.

Specific IgE Estimation:
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

Avocado Intolerance

Avocado has gained a lot of attention for its health benefits from researchers all over the world. But not everyone can avail the advantages of avocado. Individuals who are avocado intolerant lack an enzyme that is required for proper digestion of avocado. Such an absence causes indigestion when avocado is consumed. Avocado Intolerance is non-IgE mediated hypersensitivity that makes digestion of avocado difficult.

Fructose is a sugar present in fruits. Deficiency of fructose carriers in the small intestine impairs the digestion and absorption of fructose from the fruits. It further causes accumulation of fructose in the intestine. Hence, this gives rise to the onset of undesirable symptoms in avocado intolerant individuals.

Causes of Avocado Intolerance

• Avocado intolerance is non-IgE mediated hypersensitivity, which makes digestion of avocado difficult. It is completely different from food allergies or Avocado Allergy. Lack of enzymes required for the digestion of fruit sugar is the main cause of such an intolerance.
• Inflammation of the intestine can alter the action of enzymes required for the digestion of fruit sugars. It further affects the gut transport proteins required for the absorption of fructose present in avocado.
• Use of antibiotics for a prolonged period of time or intestinal infections can also change the activity of healthy micro-organisms and enzymes present in the gut. This can cause a temporary intolerance to avocado and other fructose-containing
• Pre-existing gut issues such as inflammatory bowel syndrome or celiac disease can also lead to avocado intolerance.

Avocado Intolerance Symptoms

Avocado contains sorbitol, a fruit sugar, which undergoes fermentation in individuals with avocado intolerance. Such a fermentation gives rise to symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea.
Symptoms appear usually after consumption of avocado or products made using avocado. Symptoms include:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Gas
• Fatigue

Diagnosis & Tests

Hydrogen Breath Test:
This is a simple test, which does not require withdrawal of blood. Your breath is analyzed after the intake of fructose solution drink. A higher amount of hydrogen is produced in the intestines, when the sugar present in avocado remains undigested. Therefore, a person who is avocado intolerant will have more amount of hydrogen in his breath.
Elimination Test:
This test can be done by yourself. Elimination of avocado and its products will delete the undesirable symptoms in individuals with avocado intolerance. This helps the person to understand the effect of avocado on his overall health. With the help of a registered dietician you can develop a plan to eliminate avocado from the diet.
Self-Observation:

Observing yourself and symptoms after the consumption of avocado or avocado-based products can help you in determining the effect of avocado on health.

Risk Factors

• Having gastrointestinal issues such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) puts you at a higher risk of developing an avocado

Caution

• Read the ingredient list carefully before purchasing food items. If you are avocado intolerant, avoid intake of foods that contain even a small amount of avocado.

Treatment Of Avocado Intolerance

• Complete elimination of avocado can be beneficial for individuals with avocado intolerance.
• Besides the fruit, avoid your intake of products made from avocado.

List of Foods to Avoid

Avocado is a versatile food ingredient. Besides its direct consumption, avocado is used in the preparation of various dishes. Individuals with avocado intolerance must avoid:

• Guacamole- a dip made from avocado
• Avocado milkshake
• Avocado smoothies
• Fruit juices that contain avocado
• Avocado soups
• Desserts made from avocado