Avocados have a reputation of being a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with vitamins C, E, and K, minerals like magnesium and potassium, and a healthy source of fats, avocadoes are extremely popular. (It helps they’re delicious on toast.)
Unfortunately, some people develop an allergic reaction after eating avocadoes. People don’t necessarily discover their avocado allergy when eating this pear-shaped berry. Avocadoes are related to latex food products and are used in some cosmetic products.
If you suspect you have an avocado allergy, look out for the telltale symptoms. These include red, itchy rashes, stomach upset, lip swelling, vomiting, or even anaphylaxis.
Types of Avocado Allergy
Unlike most foods, avocadoes can trigger several different forms of allergic reaction. There are three primary kinds of avocado allergies (which each present differently):
- Oral Allergy. The classic case of allergic reaction – when a person eats an avocado, their body flags it as a potential invader. The characteristic allergic reaction follows with swelling and itching of lips, mouth, and tongue (where the avocado came into contact). In severe cases, a person may develop anaphylaxis, struggling to breathe. This is a medical emergency.
- Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome. If you’re allergic to pollen, you can get a similar reaction to certain foods. Avocadoes cross-react with birch pollen allergy. Usually, the symptoms are mild, affecting only the mouth and throat. This occurs because the proteins in birch pollen “look” similar to the proteins found in avocadoes.
- Latex-Fruit Syndrome. Similar to pollen food allergy syndrome, people who are allergic to latex can develop a cross-reaction with other foods containing similar proteins. The most common foods to cross-react with are avocadoes, bananas, chestnuts, kiwis, and papaya. It’s estimated that 40% of people with latex allergies have latex-fruit syndrome. People will experience a classic allergic reaction with the potential for anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of Avocado Allergy
Avocado allergies present in different ways depending on the underlying mechanism. The symptoms may appear superficially similar, but there’s a lot of difference in the severity and location. For example, pollen-food allergies are mild, only affecting the mouth, lips, and throat. The allergy happens exclusively with raw foods (which doesn’t necessarily affect avocadoes, as they aren’t traditionally cooked).
Symptoms of Avocado Allergy:
- Hives or skin rash
- Itching (mouth, throat, or skin)
- Swelling (lips, face, or throat)
- Stomach pain or nausea
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Symptoms of Pollen-Food Allergy:
- Itching or tingling in the mouth, lips, or throat
- Swelling in the mouth or throat
- Mild stomach discomfort
- Symptoms usually triggered after consuming raw avocado
In addition to the difference between oral allergies and pollen-food allergies, latex-fruit syndrome is often more severe. People experience wheezing or shortness of breath, generalized hives or skin rash, gastrointestinal symptoms (like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain) and anaphylaxis. Again, these symptoms are characteristic; it’s just the degree that’s changed.
Managing an Avocado Allergy
Managing an avocado allergy begins by noticing the symptoms. Hives aren’t just an itchy rash; they’re raised, red, itchy welts that occur immediately following consumption. The itching is persistent and often tingling. Several of the symptoms, such as stomach discomfort or cramping, are frequently confused with other conditions.
If you’re experiencing a suspected allergic reaction, take an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine. If your symptoms subside, there’s a good chance it’s an allergy. Oral antihistamines are a reliable treatment for allergies.
For more severe allergic reactions, an EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector) is required. It jump-starts the body’s response, preventing death or a dangerous reaction due to the throat closing up and blood pressure dropping. If you suspect anaphylaxis, seek immediate medical attention. People die every year from anaphylaxis – every second counts.
Dietary Changes
Allergies can’t be cured. The best solution is simply to avoid avocadoes from your diet. That might seem easy – just cut out the California rolls and avocado on toast. However, you can find avocadoes in some unlikely foodstuffs and products, including:
- It’s often found in vegan and paleo recipes to add creaminess, as these diets avoid dairy.
- It serves as a popular substitute for butter or other fats in cooking.
- In baked goods, avocado helps create a light, fluffy texture, commonly used in recipes for chocolate chip cookies and brownies.
- Its rich fat content makes avocado a key ingredient in lotions and shampoos, boosting their moisturizing properties.
Your dietary changes get a little more complicated if you’ve got either pollen-food allergy or latex-fruit syndrome. You likely have other food allergies to watch out for. If in doubt, speak to a nutritionist to get a clear idea of what you can and can’t eat – as well as some substitution ideas.
Getting Test with Allergy Test
Still not sure if you’ve got an avocado allergy? Maybe you have a severe reaction, but you’re not certain about the trigger. The solution is an allergy test. In fact, it’s the only solution. No skin testing reagent for latex allergy is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.
Our Allergy Test looks for 38 common allergens. The kit includes all the necessary tools for a quick, simple blood sample collection, and the lab analysis uses advanced IgE antibody testing. You’ll receive a detailed report that can help you manage your health, reduce symptoms, and make informed decisions. Order your Allergy Test now and start your journey to feeling your best!
