Carrot is a he althy vegetable rich in vitamins and microelements. Its use helps to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, improve skin condition, and maintain normal vision. But some people develop an allergy to carrots. This phenomenon occurs in children and adults. Moreover, the reaction also manifests itself from a vegetable in any form - in raw and after heat treatment. The causes and treatment of this phenomenon are described in the article.
Vegetable benefits
Carrots are very useful for vision and skin due to the content of a large number of useful substances, such as vitamins A, B, C, E, PP, K.
Vegetable is often used in folk medicine, as it fights various gastrointestinal problems and nervous disorders. It also helps with colds, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, helps to normalize metabolism.
Causes of pathology
Allergy to carrotsappears in cases where the patient's history has already revealed signs of such a reaction to the pollen of ragweed, birch, wheatgrass, celery. The protein compounds of the vegetable have a similar structure to the pollen of these plants. The immune system of allergy sufferers is not able to distinguish between allergens. Therefore, it perceives these proteins as foreign.
Raw carrots cause allergies in people with liver disease. The root crop in this case can be a factor in the development of fatty hepatosis. With heat treatment, part of the protein is destroyed, so in this form it is less allergenic. And in carrot juice, the concentration of hazardous substances is even higher than in a raw vegetable. Therefore, the risk of developing an allergy to carrots increases.
Often the cause is fertilizer, which is added in large quantities to the soil during the cultivation of the root crop. It can also be associated with herbicides and other chemicals. Root crops that are imported from other countries are usually treated with products that retain their presentation during transportation.
You may be allergic to carrots due to a number of other factors. Among them:
- heredity;
- enzyme deficiency;
- increased permeability of the intestinal mucosa;
- poor immunity;
- intestinal dysbacteriosis;
- chronic infection.
Can adults be allergic to carrots? This phenomenon occurs at any age. As in children, the reaction requires timely treatment. However, aftergetting rid of allergies must adhere to preventive measures.
Varieties
Given the causes of allergies, it can be divided into several groups:
- Individual intolerance. This concerns the body's reaction to the vegetable itself, which is consumed in its pure form.
- Allergy to additives. It usually appears on canned foods that are sold in stores. During manufacture, various preservatives and dyes are added, leading to an appropriate reaction of the body.
- Cross reaction. At risk are people who suffer from hay fever. Often the symptom appears after eating a raw vegetable. But after heat treatment, the reaction disappears.
When the first signs appear, caution is required and stop using the product until the cause is identified. This is especially true for children. For them, the reaction leads to severe symptoms.
Signs
Symptoms of carrot allergy appear after drinking juice, root vegetables and dishes from it. But there are situations when signs arise even from inhaling the smell of a vegetable during heat treatment. This reaction manifests itself in the form of intestinal disorders:
- pain and cramps in the abdomen;
- nausea and vomiting;
- stool disorder.
As the photo indicates, carrot allergy still manifests itself in the form of respiratory and skin reactions:
- hyperemia;
- allergic rhinitis;
- rashes;
- skin itching andburning;
- eczema;
- edema;
- shortness of breath;
- bronchospasm;
- allergic conjunctivitis;
- anaphylactic shock.
Child intolerance
Do children have allergies to carrots? The child's body is considered more susceptible to various substances with which it comes into contact. Often there is an allergy to carrots in infants. Need to be careful.
Although this root vegetable is a valuable product, it must be introduced into the diet carefully because of the risk of an allergy to carrots in a child. Juice should be treated with extreme caution, as the concentration of allergens in it is higher.
The symptoms of carrot allergy in children are the same as in adults. But they appear more pronounced and sharp. There are such phenomena:
- diathesis;
- skin redness;
- tissue swelling;
- intestinal disorders.
Often, children who have allergies are naughty, refuse food, sleep poorly. If a child has eaten a vegetable in large quantities, then this can cause carotene jaundice, when the skin takes on a yellowish-orange tone. This condition is not life-threatening, but is considered a sign that the amount of carrots consumed should be limited, and it is better to exclude them from the diet altogether.
Diagnosis
Various activities allow confirming the presence of an allergy to carrots in adults and children. Diagnosis is performed by an allergist. The doctor first conducts an examination and collects an anamnesis. Thenorders additional tests:
- blood test to determine f31 protein in it;
- allergy skin tests;
- elimination test.
Treatment rules
The therapeutic plan is strictly selected by the doctor, taking into account the age and characteristics of the body. If an allergy to carrots has been confirmed diagnostically, the root crop is completely excluded from the diet. It is important to consider that with this disease there is a cross-allergy to the pollen of some plants. Therefore, when birch, ragweed, wheatgrass and other plant proteins similar in structure are in bloom, it is recommended to stay away from them.
Medicines
Medicines are prescribed to improve the condition. Stopping the release of histamine and relieving the symptoms of inflammation occurs due to drugs from the corresponding pharmacological group:
- "Singular".
- Telfast.
- Cetrin.
- Erius.
In the presence of skin manifestations of allergies, ointments and creams are used:
- Gistan.
- Solkoseril.
- Fenistil.
- Desitin.
For respiratory manifestations (nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis), topical drops or sprays are used:
- Allergodil.
- Zyrtec.
- Levocabastin.
- Avamys.
- Nasonex.
If signs such as hyperemia, swelling and tearing of the eyes appear, then eye drops are used:
- Cromohexal.
- Zaditen.
- Opatanol.
Desensitization
This is the only way to treat allergies. It involves the introduction of a small amount of the allergen into the body. At first, the smallest dose is used, but gradually it is increased. This therapy is quite long in time, but it is effective.
Desensitization is based on the fact that the body is forced to get used to the allergen, as a result of which it loses sensitivity. As a result, the person will become immune to it.
The disadvantage of this immunotherapy is the need for secondary treatment after a while. It is usually held every year. As a result, it will be possible to eat foods with a food allergen, but there will be no negative reaction.
The need to use this method is determined by the doctor based on the diagnosis and the condition of the patient's body.
First aid
Severe allergies to carrots that lead to angioedema or anaphylactic shock require urgent medical attention. Usually a person knows about a complex form of allergy, so he carries with him fast-acting drugs in the form of an injection. The active component of these injections is adrenaline.
When symptoms of a complex allergy, a person is laid on a horizontal surface. He needs to unbutton his clothes to protect against tightness of breath and increase access to fresh air. Urgently call an ambulance.
Folk remedies
Unconventional therapies are used only as a supplementto mainstream therapy. They contribute to a noticeable relief of the human condition and accelerate recovery. The following recipes are considered effective:
- It is necessary to prepare a mixture based on nettle, wormwood, strawberry leaves (4:2:3). It will take 1 spoon of raw materials, which is poured with boiling water (1 cup) overnight. In the morning, the product is filtered and drunk during the day for 3 doses.
- If there is a strong rash on the skin, then an infusion of deaf nettle is used (1 spoonful of raw materials is poured into a glass of water). Drink the remedy 3 times a day before meals.
- If you are not allergic to bee products, chew honeycombs for 15-20 minutes 3 times a day.
Prevention
If an allergy to carrots is identified, then the best preventive measure is to limit the use of the root crop. You should avoid not only taking, but also staying in the room where it is prepared. Even after heat treatment, a vegetable can cause allergies. Therefore, it is important to study the composition of dishes, especially in cafes and restaurants. Carrot juice is also banned.
People who are not allergic to this vegetable should also follow the recommendations to eliminate the risk of its occurrence:
- Don't consume too much root vegetable and juice.
- It is important to diagnose and treat infections in a timely manner.
- Take medicines only as directed by a doctor.
- It is useful to strengthen the immune system by hardening, vitamin therapy, sports.
Allergy to carrots iscommon, especially in children. Like other allergens, it leads to various unpleasant symptoms. To successfully combat the disease requires an accurate determination of its cause and the exclusion of contact with the irritant. A competent specialist will help you adjust the diet and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Danger
Allergy is considered a serious disease, so at the first of its manifestations, you should consult a specialist. Only a doctor can correctly diagnose and prescribe effective treatment. Otherwise, the regular manifestation of allergies can greatly weaken the immune system.
In the future, serious pathologies, such as bronchial asthma, are allowed. Pathologies may also appear when an allergy will occur not only when using any product, but will become permanent.
Diet
Treatment requires exclusion from diet:
- bread and muffins made from white flour;
- sausages;
- smoked meat and fish;
- candy and confectionery;
- sweet carbonated drinks;
- s alty and pickled foods;
- fruit.
The menu should include:
- Green vegetable soups - broccoli, green beans, green peas.
- Porridges and pasta from durum wheat.
- Boiled and baked beef or chicken.
- Cottage cheese and fermented milk drinks.
- Dried fruit compote and tea without sugar.
Experts advise lactating women to adhere to this diet if the baby hasallergy symptoms.
In dogs
Dogs are also allergic to carrots. This may appear as:
- sneeze;
- lacrimation;
- cough;
- breathing disorders;
- diarrhea/vomiting;
- dizziness;
- otitis externa.
Allergy in dogs manifests itself in the form of an itchy rash on the body or on the ears, muzzle, abdomen. In difficult cases, ulcers, eczema appear. Sometimes pets have swollen paws, muzzle, tongue, larynx.
Medicated food for dogs with allergies is suitable for feeding, but it must be chosen carefully. It is advisable to perform a sensitivity analysis. Treatment for dogs is not limited to diet alone. The doctor prescribes symptomatic drugs that reduce the level of histamine, eliminate itching, swelling, inflammation. You will probably need a course of immunomodulators.
Carrots, although a very useful product, can lead to allergies in humans and animals. Therefore, it is important to respond to this phenomenon in a timely manner so that you can quickly eliminate the symptoms and treat the disease.
