Popcorns are packed with whole grains, fiber and antioxidant agents that exhibit exceptional nutritional properties. However, in sensitive people this essential food substance can trigger popcorn allergy symptoms.
People who’re hypersensitive to corn or grains will experience allergic reaction. Harmless proteins residing in popcorn are wrongly treated as a threat by your immune system, which then releases antibodies to thwart them out.
Consumption and inhaling of allergic food ingredients can trigger the reaction. When IgE antibodies detect ingested allergic substance, it signals immune system to release histamines. A chemical reaction is triggered resulting in various allergic symptoms affecting respiratory system, digestive system and skin.
Popcorn Allergy Symptoms
Food allergies are common, according to American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology about 50 million Americans are affected with some type of food allergy.
- Itchy eyes
- Heart burn
- Irregular heart beat
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Skin rashes
- Stomach pain
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Asthma
- Vomiting
- Coughing
- Weak pulse
- Swelling of tongue and throat
- Dizziness
- Anaphylaxis
Acute or mild popcorn allergy symptoms can be reduced by antihistamines. Moderate and severe allergic reactions need immediate medical attention.
However, you must consult allergist as soon as you experience allergic reaction.
Allergist will conduct skin prick test to determine the specific food substance that stimulated the reaction. Once the allergic food substance is confirmed, then all food substances that include identical protein must be avoided.
Avoiding food substance is the only way to treat food allergy. In rare cases small quantity of allergic substance can stimulate allergy.