Bees have been living alongside humans since prehistoric times. People have always used the products of their vital activity both as the main medicine for various diseases, and in the form of a delicious treat. And no one has ever thought about whether there is an allergy to honey. Today the situation has changed somewhat. Today it has been proven that honey is one of the most allergenic foods that can cause severe conditions in the body.
Can I be allergic to honey
Allergy that occurs after drinking honey is nothing more than a reaction to the pollen of flowers, which is inevitably present in the composition of this substance. Therefore, it is quite possible that if one type of honey is intolerant, no dangerous symptoms will be found on another beekeeping product.
In a high degree of probability, the symptoms of an allergy to honey can occur in people suffering from allergic rhinoconjunctivitis or asthmatic manifestations. In other cases, a similarthe body's reaction may occur if:
- honey contains a large amount of pollen;
- chemical elements used to process beehives got into the beekeeping product;
- violated sanitary rules for keeping bees;
- there are some additives in honey;
- eat a lot of honey.
Symptoms of allergic reactions
Usually, the symptoms of honey allergy appear in the first 4 hours after eating the main product of beekeeping. They can be expressed in the form of disorders of the digestive tract, respiratory organs, the appearance of edema and skin rashes, lacrimation, the appearance of discharge from the nose, etc.
In some cases, the appearance of allergic reactions can be hazardous to he alth, as they can provoke anaphylactic shock. Threatening symptoms are:
- lower blood pressure;
- increased perspiration;
- sense of fullness in ears;
- weakness;
- sharp redness or, conversely, excessive pallor of the skin;
- unexpected appearance of a feeling of fear, absent-mindedness or confusion of consciousness;
- breathing difficulties.
When these symptoms appear, it is urgent to call an ambulance and take an antihistamine.
Symptoms of honey allergy in adults are most often manifested in the form of itching or rashes on the skin, dryness or discomfort. This can happen not only with directthe use of the allergen in its pure form, but also when using any cosmetics, which include bee products. Symptoms associated with swelling of the mucous membranes of the body may develop.
How to identify the presence of allergies
Any reaction atypical for the body must be able to recognize. Thus, it will be possible to avoid a critical condition that endangers human life. How allergy to honey manifests itself becomes noticeable soon after taking the bee product. But is it possible, without risking he alth, to check how adequately it will be perceived by the body? This is quite feasible. Everything is pretty simple here. It is enough to rub a drop of honey on the inner crook of the elbow or hold a small amount of sweet treat in your mouth without swallowing.
If there is an allergy, then in the first case, red spots and blisters will appear on the skin within a few minutes, the place of contact with honey will begin to itch. With resorption, a sore throat, swelling of the tongue and mucous membranes of the mouth, and other similar symptoms will appear. In this case, honey must be spit out and the mouth rinsed thoroughly. Such measures will help to accurately determine the possibility of using the product.
What to do if unwanted symptoms appear
The scheme for eliminating the symptoms of an allergy to honey is similar to other cases. Antihistamines, preparations for the normalization of the digestive tract, ointments for external use, enterosorbents andother medicines.
In cases of rapid development of allergies in children and adults, accompanied by serious physiological disorders, you should immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance.
Regardless of the severity of the allergic reaction, honey automatically falls into the category of prohibited products. Now the allergen cannot be contacted not only in its pure form, but also as part of other dishes or as a component of cosmetics.
Antihistamines
The main medicines prescribed for allergic manifestations are, first of all, antihistamines. An allergic reaction develops against the background of an increased release of histamine from mast cells - IgE immunoglobulins, which provoke a dangerous reaction in the body.
The intake of antihistamine drugs helps to suppress the production of antigens and provoke the production of IgA immunoglobulins, which stabilize the general condition of the body. Doctors recommend using 2nd and 3rd generation drugs that are non-addictive and easier to tolerate.
Such anti-allergic drugs as "Fenistil", "Alleron", "Erius", "Loratadine" and other drugs quickly relieve the main symptoms and help to alleviate the general condition.
Ointments and sprays
Affected areas of the skin are a favorable environment for the development of pathogenic microorganisms and infection. As a topical preparationprescription for honey allergy, doctors recommend hormonal or non-hormonal agents.
With prolonged forms of skin allergic rashes and irritations, as well as with their severe course, hormonal (corticosteroid) ointments, creams and sprays are prescribed. These are, first of all, "Fenkarol", "Prednisolone", "Elokom", "Advantan" and others.
For the treatment of honey allergy symptoms in children and pregnant women, as well as people with sensitive skin, non-hormonal agents are usually prescribed. These are drugs such as Skin-cap, Epidel, Protopic, Bepanthen, Panthenol or Fenistil.
In some cases, the doctor may recommend topical anti-allergic agents containing antibiotics: Triderm, Levomekol, Ficidin, erythromycin or gentamicin ointment and other drugs.
Alternative medicine in the treatment of allergic reactions
Often, well-known folk methods can get rid of the manifestations of allergies on the skin. So, to relieve dryness, it is recommended to use a lotion prepared from equal parts of kefir, sour cream and clean water. They rub the affected areas of the skin several times during the day.
For daily compresses, you can prepare a composition of ½ teaspoon of boric acid diluted in a glass of water.
A mixture of dried chamomile, sage and string flowers (2 tablespoons) is brewed in one glassboiling water, insist for 2 hours and apply as a compress on the affected skin.
Features of allergies in children
A child allergic to honey can have different clinical manifestations. The symptomatology of the pathological process in this case depends on the age of the baby, the general physical condition and the differences in immunity. Usually, manifestations of allergic reactions are observed in weakened and premature babies prone to frequent colds.
It is impossible to check whether a child is allergic to honey or not. Since the baby's organs and systems are not yet fully formed, the test results will be misleading. Therefore, pediatricians and allergists do not recommend giving this bee product to babies under the age of three. They also advise against using cosmetics containing this substance.
Sometimes when breastfeeding, a baby develops allergic manifestations due to mom's addiction to honey. In infants, undesirable reactions occur according to the type of diathesis: dry red spots appear on the cheeks, chin and bottom of the crumbs. If such manifestations are found on the baby's body, the mother should reconsider her own diet and the diet of the child.
In children from 1.5 years old, allergy manifests itself in the form of urticaria or dermatitis, first affecting the folds of the limbs, and then capturing the entire body. Here is an example of a photo of an allergy to honey in young children.
How to treat a child
If there are no indications for allergic reactionshospitalization, then treatment is best done with home remedies: they are safer. In contrast, medications have a number of contraindications and a whole list of side effects that can harm the he alth of the baby.
Here, a lotion made from sour cream, water and kefir or anti-allergic creams for children will come to the rescue. They will help get rid of unwanted skin rashes and irritations.
In this case, it is necessary to completely exclude any contact with the allergen. In the future, it is possible to introduce honey into the diet, but you should start with the acacia variety, which is considered non-allergenic and safe for a weakened child's body.
If allergic symptoms are pronounced, cause discomfort to the baby and anxiety to the mother, do not hesitate to call a doctor. Self-treatment can have a negative impact on the he alth of the crumbs.
Allergy Prevention
Despite the fact that allergies to honey in adults and children occur very often, and this product is considered one of the leaders among allergens, most allergists believe that the main cause of the problem is not honey, as such, but in the culture of its consumption. The main bee product will be safe to eat if the following rules are followed:
- Purchase only a pure product that does not contain chemical or synthetic additives. Very often, allergic manifestations occur on the presence of cane sugar and antibacterial components mixed with natural honey. Therefore, you should buy it only from trustedsellers.
- If you are allergic to the pollen of certain flowers, you should never consume honey that contains these components. It is better to replace such a product with an acacia variety, which is considered safe for allergy sufferers.
- Don't give honey to babies and children under two years old. However, older children who develop without any problems should definitely give this product, gradually introducing it into the diet.
Forecast of further manifestations
Prognosis for manifestations of allergy to honey is generally favorable. According to most allergists-immunologists, with proper consumption of the main product of beekeeping, unwanted reactions of the body can be avoided. In this case, you should choose high-quality varieties of honey that do not cause allergies. If basic precautions are observed, unwanted manifestations can be prevented or stopped altogether.
The risk of such reactions remains for infants and children under two years of age. In this case, the entire responsibility for taking honey falls on the parents.
If there is a pronounced negative reaction of the body to bee products, it is more expedient to exclude this food from the diet or conduct an allergy test each time before eating it. When the first signs of intolerance appear, antihistamine therapy should be urgently carried out and honey should be excluded from the menu for a while.
