Cross-allergy: Common forms and symptoms

cross-allergy-common-forms-and-symptoms

A cross allergy is very stressful for allergy sufferers. We explain how a cross allergy develops, what the symptoms are and how they are treated.

 

What is a cross allergy?

In a cross-allergy, the immune system responds to certain allergens in foods that are similar to those of a previously known allergy from other sources. For example, react hay fever -patients (eg., By alder, hazel and birch pollen) at a cross-allergy on nuts, core or stone fruit, because the existing therein allergens are similar to pollen. To avoid allergic reactions, one should avoid the triggering food. In the long term, hyposensitizationcan also help.

 

Diseases: What symptoms are there?

If it comes to a cross-allergy, the so-called immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE antibodies) trigger the same symptoms in contact with the similar allergen as in 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 already 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 have 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 medicines can 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.