Cross-allergy: Common forms and symptoms
What is a cross allergy?
In a cross-allergic reaction, the immune system responds to certain allergens in food, which resemble those of an already known allergy from other sources. For example, hayfever patients (eg through alder, hazel or birch pollen) also react to nuts, pome or stone fruit in a cross-allergy because the allergens present in them are similar to pollen. To avoid allergic reactions, one should avoid the triggering food. In the long term, hyposensitization can also help.
Diseases: What symptoms are there?
If it comes to a cross allergy, solve the so-called immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE antibodies) in contact with the similar allergen the same symptoms as the original allergy.
In addition, the following symptoms may occur:
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Sneezing and coughing
- sniff
- allergic asthma
- itching
- rashes
- Conjunctivitis
What are the cross allergies?
Pollen-associated cross-reactions are the most common cross-allergies.
But also the following combinations often occur:
- Latex allergy: Cross allergy z. With banana, pineapple, peach, mango, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables
- Mugwort pollen allergy: Allergy with celery, paprika, mango, spices, carrots and sunflower seeds
- House dust allergy: Cross allergy with shellfish and crustaceans
- Grass pollen: Allergy with flour, bran and tomatoes
How do I know if I have food allergies?
Many allergic people suspect shortly after the first consumption of a food, whether they have in addition to their original allergy even a food allergy, since the allergy symptoms are similar to those already described. If you are not sure if you have any of these cross allergies, You should keep a food diary for some time.
What helps with allergic complaints caused by cross-allergies?
Similar to other allergies, such as hay fever or insect venom allergy, certain Antihistamine medications reduce the symptoms of cross-allergies. In addition, the triggers - unlike, for example, the pollen count - easy to avoid. The reason is that cross-reactions can be treated with hyposensitization.
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