Capsicum is one of the most common type of pepper available which is widely used and liked by many people. Capsicum is known with different names like African chilies, paprika, Tabasco, Mexican chilies etc.
Capsicum has been used for several ailments which includes heart problem, stomach related issues and even hardening of arteries. Apart from all this capsicum may also leave you allergic when consumed or even touched. If you are allergic to any of the peppers then do not take the risk of having capsicum. Always consult your doctor before doing so.
Experts say that red, green and yellow capsicums are filled with more vitamin C than orange juice. Further, it can act as anti-cancer agent, improve immune system, prevent night blindness and enhances collagen production.
But, few studies prove that it’s not safe for everyone. Capsicum allergy is an unfavorable reaction between immune system and bell peppers. It’s rare, but when people who’re sensitive to bell pepper touch, eat or smell it. Immune system releases immunoglobulin E antibody to identify the problem causing substance in the food. Mistakenly, antibodies treat harmless proteins as serious threat; as a result histamines are produced by immune system to combat these foreign substances.
Symptoms Of Capsicum Allergy
Symptoms of capsicum allergy result in serious situation like anaphylaxis or mild signs like asthma, abdominal pain, hives, eczema and head ache. A detailed list of symptoms of bell pepper allergy is listed below.
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes, watery eyes, red eyes and sore eyes
- Cough
- Hives
- Asthma and breathing problem
- Swelling of lips
- Selling of tongue and throat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itching and rashes over skin
- Sneezing, wheezing
- Sinus pain, headache
- Swelling of face
- Eczema
- Abdominal issues, upset stomach
- Constipation
- Low blood pressure, unconsciousness and anaphylactic shock are life threatening
If you experience any of the above mentioned capsicum allergy symptoms, consult your doctor immediately for diagnosis.
Anti-histamines prescribed by doctor can relief symptoms to some extent. But, to prevent allergic reaction I recommend avoiding capsicum and other foods that contain similar proteins.
Precautions To Be Taken
- Do not eat capsicum if you are pregnant or want to be as your unborn may get effected by this.
- Avoid eating or coming in contact with capsicum if you are a feeding mother.
- Getting capsicum near your eyes may even get you infected as a result you may feel severe burning sensation as well as redness in your eyes.
- Seek medical attention if you feel you have had capsicum overdose.
Note:
- emedicinehealth.com states that capsicum has not been evaluated by FDA. Risks and issues of using this pepper are unknown.
- If you’re allergic to capsicum, then don’t take it until you talk to your doctor.
- Pregnant and breast feeding women are also advised to stay away from bell pepper.
- http://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug-capsicum/page2_em.htm
- http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/f/food_allergy_bell_pepper/symptoms.htm
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9652302