Allergy to bananas in adults

A banana allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to the proteins found in the banana. An allergic reaction occurs after eating a banana, and these reactions can range from mild to life-threatening. Any adult or child who develops certain unwanted symptoms after ingesting a banana or foods containing this fruit (its juice, pulp or extracts) should immediately consult a doctor.

Banana allergy is related to latex allergy. The proteins contained in the rubber tree from which latex is formed are the main cause of quite serious local or general forms of allergy. These proteins are similar to the protein compounds found in some fruits, such as bananas.

Can adults be allergic to bananas?

An allergy to bananas is possible due to the presence of protein chitinase (a special protein found in this fruit). The inability of the human body to break down chitinase triggers reactions of the immune system, which, in turn, produces immunoglobulin E, antibodies to allergens. These antibodies also produce histamine, which acts on various parts of the body, including the eyes, nose and oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and skin, and thus cause unwanted symptoms. This reaction is a type 1 allergy, a type of hypersensitivity that occurs with certain changes in the immune system.

Pollen is another possible trigger that can cause hypersensitivity and allergic reactions to banana. If a person has hay fever, that is, an allergy to birch pollen, the likelihood of an allergy to a banana will also be higher. In some cases, banana allergy occurs when a person comes into contact with fresh fruit. Cooking a banana can significantly reduce the risk of allergies in some people.

Infants do not have a fully developed immune system and a local intestinal defense system. Banana sensitization in infants may be due to early exposure to banana allergens. These allergens can be passed from mother to child through breast milk.

How does an allergy to bananas manifest in adults?

Signs and symptoms of reactions to bananas may appear soon after eating the fruit. This can be a lesion of the oral cavity, skin and gastrointestinal tract. If the pathology is not treated, it can have life-threatening consequences. If any of the following symptoms occur, contact your doctor immediately.

Itching. It can spread to various parts of the body such as the mouth, skin, eyes, and throat. In severe cases, this can lead to the development of a rash, swelling and redness, causing pain and discomfort in those affected.

Gastrointestinal symptoms. Allergy to bananas causes a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including:

• nausea;
• vomiting;
• diarrhea or loose stools;
• spasms in the abdomen.

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

• wheezing;
• sneezing;
• coryza;
• choking or difficulty breathing;
• swelling of the throat;
• difficulty swallowing.

Anaphylactic shock. This severe condition is rare but is a life-threatening systemic reaction. Shock can lead to low blood pressure, low pulse rate, dizziness, unconsciousness, and death within hours.

How to treat banana allergy in adults

First of all, you need to accurately establish the diagnosis. Complaints of the patient and the clinical picture, the medical history are important. Recently, specialized allergy tests have become available that are more accurate than previous studies. They can often tell the specialist not only the likelihood of an allergy, but they can also identify the culprit protein and even indicate which protein family it belongs to.

Diagnostics

It is important to quickly diagnose the disease and begin treatment. There are several ways to find out if a person is allergic to a banana.

Self-monitoring for symptoms. No one better than the patient himself can describe the signs and symptoms that appear after eating a banana. A detailed description of all the symptoms that occur will help the doctor better understand the condition. You need to tell your doctor how many bananas you consumed and how long it took for symptoms to appear. The patient should also tell the specialist if he has experienced a similar situation before.

A person with a positive history of banana allergy may have several more tests.

Skin tests. To diagnose a banana allergy, a doctor can use a skin prick, which is safe, inexpensive, and gives immediate results. During this test, the doctor gently pricks the skin and applies a solution containing the banana allergen. This solution is applied to the skin and then left untouched for the next 20 to 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, with a positive test result or an allergy to a banana, a bump and redness will appear on the skin.

Specific assessment of IgE. This is a blood test that determines the level of antibodies to immunoglobulin E in the blood. During a banana allergy, the immune system overreacts and produces immunoglobulin E to protect the body from the allergen. An elevated level of immunoglobulin E is a clear indicator of an allergy to bananas.

Modern methods

Mild banana allergy can be treated with antihistamines. During an allergy, the body’s cells produce histamine, which causes symptoms such as itching, runny nose, and conjunctivitis. Treatment with antihistamines can neutralize the symptoms and bring relief to the victim.

Eliminating bananas and foods that contain bananas entirely may be beneficial for people with banana allergies. In severe cases, the doctor may give an injection of adrenaline. This is the first line of treatment for anaphylaxis.

It is important that people who are allergic to banana avoid it completely. In addition, banana is a part of various food products. Eating such foods is not safe and should be avoided. Cross-reactive foods such as kiwi, avocado, melons, papaya, tomatoes, and carrots should also be avoided.

If the patient is sensitive to latex and banana, latex-based items and toys should be avoided. Before ordering food in a restaurant, be sure to ask if a banana is used in cooking. Cosmetics such as banana flavored lip balm should be avoided.

List of foods to avoid for people sensitive to bananas:

• banana flavored candies;
• banana cakes;
• banana bread;
• banana smoothies and milkshakes;
• banana desserts;
• a mixture of fruit milkshakes and smoothies containing a banana;
• banana ice cream;
• banana flavored coffee
• banana flavored liqueur.

Prevention of allergy to bananas in adults at home

People who are allergic to latex are at an increased risk of developing a banana allergy. This is possible because both latex and banana contain similar allergy-causing proteins. People with pollen allergies also often react to bananas. Having asthma increases the chances of being allergic to bananas. A family history of banana allergy can also put you at risk for allergies, as can a history of oral allergy syndrome to any food. These people should stop eating bananas.

Popular questions and answers

Answered the most common questions about banana allergy allergist-immunologist of the highest category, Ph.D. Ksenia Bocharova.