High concentration of fiber and detoxifying activity packed in pear is renowned to reduce diabetes and regulate bowel movement. But, these proteins may trigger pear allergy symptoms in sensitive people.
This rare food allergy results in itching, tingling sensation and swelling of lips. Researchers found Pyr c 1, Pyr c 3, Pyr c 4 and Pyr c 5 are major allergens residing in the pulp and peels of pear fruit.
Further study state that peels of pear, apples and peaches are more allergenic than pulp. If hypersensitive people ingest the whole fruit, then it may result in severe allergic reaction.
Another study concludes that allergy symptoms are acute when patients with apple and pear allergy ingest only pulp.
Immune system in hypersensitive people reacts harshly towards proteins in pear. It releases antibodies assuming that these foreign substances as a threat to your body. To thwart them out it produces histamines, whose adverse reaction leads to allergic symptoms.
Pear Allergy Symptoms
As mentioned, signs of allergic reaction can be mild, moderate or severe in rare cases. Uncommon symptoms can be experienced within few hours of eating the fruit; in some cases just inhaling the cooking pear may stimulate acute allergic symptoms.
Symptoms of pear allergy are identical to most food allergy. But, you must get diagnosed to confirm the allergen.
- Itchy and tingling sensation around mouth, lips and throat.
- Itchy eyes
- Swelling of lips, tongue and face
- Itching and swelling of throat can make breathing difficult
- Contact dermatitis, within few hours of touching the pear, allergens may travel to blood stream and trigger chronic skin ailments.
- In some cases person may experience red, scaly and inflamed rashes.
- According to experts, when consumed, allergic reaction can stimulate digestive issues.
- Stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- In very rare cases allergic reaction could be life threatening.
Cross Reactivity
People who’re allergic to birch pollen experience allergic reaction when ingest raw pear. Pollen allergens on the raw fruits are main cause of oral allergy syndrome.
Luckily, you can get rid of them by cooking or processing. These processed thwart pollen allergens. In some cases people may cross reactive with the identical protein fruits. So, you must make sure you aren’t allergic to food that you’re ingesting.
Diagnosis
Without conducting specified tests, you can’t determine the allergen. Allergist or dermatologists will exposure your skin to allergen for testing. If the skin prick test is positive, then you’re allergic to pear.
Along with prescribed medication, allergic patients must avoid pear in all forms. Food products or dishes that include pear pulp or peel must be avoided.
Pear allergy symptoms are rare, but when your body is regularly exposed to allergens then reaction may lead to severe symptoms.
Note: This article is for information purpose only, consult physician for diagnosis.