Ever wondered how all of these food allergies tie together? We deal in this stuff everyday and we just find all of it so fascinating. Check out these interesting food allergy facts!
- There is no cross-reactivity between chicken meat and hen’s egg – that is, being allergic to one does not suggest allergy to the other.
- If you are allergic to one crustacean (shrimp, crab, lobster), there is a 75% chance you are allergic to another.
- If you are allergic to cow’s milk, there is a 92% chance you are allergic to goat’s milk.
- If you are allergic to cashew or pistachio, there is an approximately 30% chance you will be allergic to mango and possibly pink peppercorn (they are in the same food family).
- If you are allergic to one tree nut, there is a 37% chance you will be allergic to another tree nut.
- If you are allergic to peanut, there is a 5% chance you will be allergic to another legume (peas, lentils, beans).
- If you are allergic to one finned fish, there is a 50% chance you will be allergic to another finned fish.
- If you are allergic to latex, there is a 35% chance you will be allergic to a latex “fruit” like kiwi, banana, or avocado.
- Nutmeg (the spice) is not a tree nut. It is the seed of several species of the genus Myristica (a dark-leaved evergreen tree).
- People who are allergic to ragweed may be allergic to chamomile tea (both are in the daisy/Asteraceae family).
- Artificial flavorings (such as artificial almond extract) should not contain the actual allergen and should be safe in allergic people (just make sure it states artificial).
- Some patients who are allergic to pollen will have a condition called oral allergy syndrome or “food-pollen” syndrome where fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts cause local itching and swelling of the mouth and throat. Approximately 40% of patients who go on allergy immunotherapy (“shots”) will have resolution of these oral allergy symptoms.
Curious about your food allergies? Make an appointment today!
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