Allergy to strawberries: Symptoms, remedies, and things to steer clear of
For those with a strawberry allergy, it's important to be aware of potential cross-reactivity with other foods. Strawberries belong to the Rosaceae family, which also includes apples, peaches, pears, cherries, raspberries, and blackberries, among others. This shared family can cause reactions due to similar proteins in these fruits [2][4].
Individuals allergic to strawberries may experience issues with these fruits, as well as certain vegetables and nuts, although strawberry allergies tend to be less common than other food allergies [4]. It's crucial for those affected to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action and manage potential cross-reactivity with other foods.
Strawberries are a popular fruit in the United States, readily available in local grocery stores all year round. However, a first allergic reaction to strawberries should prompt a visit to a doctor, and consumption of the fruit should be stopped immediately. Young children, who may not have been exposed to strawberries early in life, may have a higher risk of developing an allergy [5].
For severe reactions to strawberries, emergency medical attention is necessary. Anyone with a known severe allergy should carry an EpiPen at all times [6]. People with a severe strawberry allergy should also always carry an EpiPen, an injectable medication that counteracts a severe allergic reaction.
In the US, an estimated 3 billion pounds of strawberries were produced in 2014 [7]. People who suspect they have a strawberry allergy should discuss their symptoms with a doctor and possibly have an allergy test for confirmation.
On rare occasions, strawberries can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, characterized by symptoms such as a rapid pulse rate, swollen tongue, swollen throat that blocks the airway, substantial drop in blood pressure, dizziness and lightheadedness, and fainting [8].
People with a strawberry allergy may need to avoid other fruits from the Rosaceae family, including apples, cherries, raspberries, peaches, and blackberries. In most cases, people can treat allergic reactions to strawberries at home, but avoiding the allergen altogether is the best treatment [9].
Certain foods, including strawberries, citrus fruits, and tomatoes, can cause allergy-like symptoms without a person having a true allergy to them. People with a family history of food allergies, a birch pollen allergy, asthma, or eczema may have a higher risk of developing a food allergy, including a strawberry allergy [10].
People with a strawberry allergy may also react to latex, birch pollen, apricots, melons, bananas, some nuts like hazelnuts, celery, carrots, and possibly other foods [11]. In Bosnia, Europe, only 3-4 percent of children aged 2 and under have a strawberry allergy, with the percentage dropping to 0.5-1 percent in late childhood [12].
It is essential not to feed strawberries to children who have an allergic reaction after consuming or coming into contact with the fruit. The most common symptoms of a strawberry allergy include itching and inflammation of the throat and mouth, hives, coughing and wheezing, dizziness or lightheadedness, diarrhea, vomiting, a feeling of tightness in the throat, and congestion [8].
Doctors should reevaluate the person for the allergy every few years. Some people will outgrow their allergy. Some people with a strawberry allergy may be able to eat cooked strawberries because heating them distorts the proteins [13]. Doctors should perform tests such as blood tests, skin prick tests, or an elimination test to determine if strawberries are causing the symptoms.
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