Tangerine allergy

Allergy to tangerines is one of the variants of food allergic reaction or false allergy. Before we outline the danger that allergy to tangerines can pose, in fairness it is necessary to note the undeniable benefit of these aromatic and tasty fruits.

The pulp of the tangerine contains a huge amount of useful microelements and vitamins, especially many B vitamins, and quite rare ones. Among them, the following substances are of the greatest value:

• B vitamins – B9, B6, B2, B3, B5, B1 (thiamine), B4 (choline), B8 (inositol).
• Vitamin C.
• Vitamin A.
• Vitamin P – rutin.
• Phytoncides.
• Sodium, potassium, magnesium, fluorine, calcium, iron.
• Proteins, carbohydrates, fats – in small quantities.
• Essential oils.
• Carotene and other pigments.

Due to the fact that 100 grams of tangerines contain only 50-52 kilocalories, they are an excellent dietary product for those who want to lose weight.

Phytoncides, which are part of the fruit, can have an effective antimicrobial effect, especially when applied externally to the peel, the juice helps with unproductive cough, a decoction of the peel can reduce high blood sugar levels and stop diarrhea. It would seem that tangerines are priceless, but such a high concentration of nutrients is a provocateur not only of an allergic reaction, but also of an exacerbation of gastric ulcer and inflammation of the urinary system. In addition, tangerines contain an analogue of aspirin - salicylates, which, if overdosed, can cause severe intoxication of the body. It is believed that salicylates are the main provoking substance that causes food allergies.

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Why does an allergy to tangerines develop?

To date, there is no reliable, statistically confirmed data on the true cause of an allergic reaction to tangerines in principle. It is believed that an allergy to tangerines refers to a food allergy, that is, to an idiosyncrasy - intolerance to a certain product. However, studies by British allergists show that most often the trigger is not so much the product itself, but the portion size or dose that a person eats. In addition, most allergy sufferers who are intolerant to tangerines are found to be allergic to aspirin and all its species, that is, to salicylates. Salicylic acid in varying quantities is present not only in oranges, tangerines or lemons, it is found in potato peels, tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, some berries, peaches and medicinal herbs. An allergy to aspirin is not considered a true allergy, since the human immune system is not involved in the reaction. Salicylic acid, getting into the gastrointestinal tract, reacts directly with mast cells that are already present in the body. Thus, salicylates do not provoke the formation of mast cells and labrocytes (mast cells), they only activate an allergic reaction, but without the participation of IgE antibodies. This has been proven by numerous laboratory studies confirming the fact that salicylates have too small a molecular weight and are not capable of being true antigens. A small number of eaten tangerines, for example, one, may not cause an allergy, but if there are more of them, and also under the condition of allergic readiness of the body, then an allergy is almost inevitable. It is also necessary to take into account the peculiarities of transportation of these exotic fruits, most likely subjected to special processing. Any stabilizing chemical substance, which on the one hand helps tangerines "get" to the shelves in a marketable form, on the other hand, can provoke a strong allergic reaction.

Symptoms of Mandarin Allergy

The main signs of citrus fruit intolerance are also typical for tangerine allergy. Among the most characteristic symptoms are the following:

• Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks up to suffocation.
• Sudden headache.
• Allergic rhinitis.
• Urticaria, including generalized urticaria up to Quincke's edema.
• Severe itching.
• Sudden pain in the abdominal area.
• Swelling of the face and limbs.
• Skin pigmentation.

Most often, clinically obvious symptoms of nutritional (food) allergies are enterocolitis, second on the list is dermatitis, and third place is allergic symptoms from the respiratory system - shortness of breath or suffocation.

The most dangerous consequence of an allergy to tangerines, including tangerines, is anaphylactic shock, in which symptoms develop rapidly. That is why, at the first signs of intolerance to tangerines, you should immediately take an antihistamine, activated carbon or another sorbent, and also consult a doctor to avoid the threatening development of symptoms.

Treatment of allergy to tangerines

An allergy to tangerines, or any other food product, initially requires immediate elimination of the provoking substance. It is necessary to completely exclude from the diet not only tangerines, but also all citrus fruits, as well as products that may contain salicylic acid. In addition, any cosmetics, creams, perfumes and household chemicals that contain citrus essential oil should be eliminated immediately, since even the smell of orange or tangerine can cause an allergic reaction in allergy sufferers. The main therapeutic actions are conventionally divided into two stages:

1. Symptomatic treatment that helps to cope with uncomfortable allergic manifestations - rash, itching, colitis, shortness of breath. Treatment involves taking the latest generation of antihistamines, which have virtually no side effects and do not cause drowsiness. Glucocorticosteroids may also be prescribed, which neutralize the manifestations of allergies in more severe cases (Quincke's edema).
2. A hypoallergenic diet, which involves eliminating not only tangerines, but also other provocative products - honey, nuts, eggs, chocolate. As a rule, during the diet, enterosorbents are indicated, which help reduce the load on the digestive tract and remove intoxication products from the body (toxic derivatives of metabolism).

Allergy to tangerines does not require hyposensitizing immunotherapy, since this method is indicated only for true allergies. Food intolerance is quite successfully managed by refusing the provoking product, sometimes this elimination lasts for a certain period, for example, six months or a year. After that, a person is quite capable of eating tangerines, but in strict dosages, that is, without overeating them. However, with persistent idiosyncrasy, a complete refusal to eat citrus fruits in principle is also possible. This is not a big loss for the diet, since all the useful substances contained in tangerines can be replenished with other, no less tasty and safe fruits.