Allergy has become a real "plague" of our time. New ones are constantly being added to the usual list of products and substances that cause the immunopathological process. Allergy to rice is not a common phenomenon, it is detected in 5% of the total number of people suffering from severe hypersensitivity. A pathological process can occur in any person, so it would be useful to know about its symptoms and methods of therapy.
The concept of allergy
Allergy is an increased hypersensitivity of the immune system to a substance, caused by a change in its reactivity. Allergic reactions are clinical manifestations of sensitivity.
When allergies are produced in the body antibodies - immunoglobulins E. When they cause high sensitivity, they are called allergens. Sensitivity is characterized by strong stimulation by immunoglobulins E of mast cells (white blood cells that are part of the neuroimmune system) and basophils,which turns into inflammation. The clinical manifestations of the inflammatory response can be very different: from a runny nose and itching to anaphylactic shock.
Unusual Allergies
Allergy is a common disease. Even those who do not suffer from hypersensitivity have relatives or friends with this pathology. Almost everyone knows that allergies are most often caused by plant pollen, dust, citrus fruits, household chemicals, and most drugs.
The allergic process is completely connected with the immune system, which adapts to the surrounding conditions. In countries where citrus fruits are grown, people consume oranges and tangerines since childhood, so they rarely have allergies. Palm oil does not cause negative reactions in people who consume it regularly.
There is another problem. Due to the constantly deteriorating ecology, unusual pathological conditions develop, including types of allergic reactions. So, in the UK, doctors were interested in an unusual case: a woman went to the hospital with complaints that after contact with any liquid, even tears, a rash appears on her skin, accompanied by swelling and itching.
Rare hypersensitivity to latex, biological fluid: saliva, semen. There is also an allergy to rice or buckwheat. Due to the fact that such phenomena are rarely observed, doctors sometimes misdiagnose. Inadequate therapy contributes to the transition of pathology into a chronic form.
Could you be allergic torice?
The abnormal reaction of the body to certain foods occurs due to its individual characteristics. Rice has long become a familiar product in the diet of not only Asian people. The cereal is very satisfying, contains a lot of useful trace elements, so it is included in the dietary, medical and children's menu.
Can rice cause allergies? In principle, any product is capable of inducing an immunopathological process. Any substance is a mixture. Allergy is caused not by the product itself, but by its components - maybe one component or several. In most cases, in the future, it will be necessary to exclude or drastically limit the consumption of all products that contain components that cause an immunopathological process. Otherwise, a cross-allergy to rice may develop, i.e. hypersensitivity to substances similar in composition to cereal.
Causes of an allergic reaction to rice
Most grains contain gluten. This type of protein is not necessary for humans, so the body often perceives the component as foreign, which contributes to the development of allergies. Rice does not contain gluten, but it contains other protein compounds to which the body is very sensitive.
Orizenin - protein, like gluten, belongs to glutelins. The main feature of these compounds is that they are insoluble in water. With improper nutrition, for example, insufficient fluid intake, the body begins toperceive products with oryzenin as dangerous. As a result, the immune system is activated, an allergy develops.
Lysine is an aliphatic amino acid. The substance is not synthesized by the body, but is necessary. The protein compound is capable of exerting an antiviral effect. During illness, such properties of the amino acid further enhance the work of the immune system, which increases the number of antibodies that cause hypersensitivity.
There are other causes of rice allergy:
- Sensitivity to chemicals used in the processing of cereals during cultivation, storage and transportation.
- Unbalanced diet. Rice cannot fully provide the body with nutrients. The lack of certain trace elements causes various diseases. A sick person is much more likely to develop an allergy than a he althy person.
- Lack of liquid. With insufficient water intake, rice is poorly absorbed. The body spends a lot of energy on the processing of cereals, in addition, it uses reserve fluid reserves, which negatively affects he alth.
Why do adults get allergic to rice?
In adults, the immunopathological process in most cases is acquired. The following factors influence its occurrence:
- The presence of chronic diseases. With age, the protective properties of the body lose the ability to fully resist all negative factors from the outside. And internal factors, such as prolonged recurrent pathologies, further impair the functioning of the immune system.system.
- Bad habits. The abuse of alcohol and tobacco products contribute to the development of allergies. In addition, alcohol and cigarettes have a negative effect on all organs and systems, including the immune system. Due to the poor functioning of the immune system, abnormal reactions develop in the body.
- Adults may develop an allergy to rice due to professional activities. Farmers often develop sensitivity to the plants they grow. Reactions are especially pronounced during flowering and harvesting. People who transport rice or work in a rice processing plant are also susceptible to allergies.
Grain hypersensitivity in children
The main cause of rice allergy in a child is hereditary predisposition. If the mother is prone to pathology, the risk of its occurrence in children is very high. The list of mandatory tests during pregnancy even includes a test for antibodies of immunoglobulin E. The reasons for the development of allergies in childhood include:
- Abuse of products that cause immunopathological process during pregnancy. Allergenic food, especially in large quantities, provokes the production of antibodies. The placental barrier cannot cope if their number is too large, and antibodies enter the blood of the fetus. The baby is born with hypersensitivity.
- Immaturity of the digestive system in a child. The development of allergies is most often caused by early complementary foods, improper preparation of the product or its lowquality.
- Child eating food containing rice in large quantities. Some mothers, having read about the benefits of this cereal, put the child on a rice diet. Children eat soup, porridge, cookies, etc. from it, an excess of the product contributes to the development of allergies.
Allergy while breastfeeding
During pregnancy, a woman's body is completely rebuilt, and then again after birth. All this is a natural physiological process, but the changes occur in too short a time, moreover, twice. Rebuilding affects the he alth of the mother.
Allergy to rice during breastfeeding (breastfeeding) is very rare, so the problem is undeservedly given little attention. A lot of substances are excreted with breast milk, including antibodies. If an allergic reaction occurs, consult your doctor. The woman will have to undergo therapy. But some drugs can have a negative impact on the he alth of the baby, so for the duration of treatment you will have to give up breastfeeding. In addition, women who are prone to allergies should pay more attention to their diet.
Grain allergy in dogs
For many, pets are like family members. The owners rejoice at their playful mood and are upset if the dog or cat starts to get sick. Most diseases in dogs are the same as in humans. Only due to anatomical features, pathologies have a different course, and other methods of therapy are applied to animals. main reasondevelopment of an allergy to rice in a dog are the substances with which the cereal is processed. But in some breeds, such as the West Highland White Terrier, the immunopathological process is caused by substances that make up the cereal.
Puppies are often allergic to rice for the same reason as children - the immaturity of the food system. When the animal grows up, the problem goes away on its own.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a rice allergy are the same as any other, making it very difficult to diagnose. Sometimes it takes a very long time to find out what exactly causes the pathological process. Clinical manifestations of allergies can be general or local.
- sneezing, swelling of the nasal mucosa;
- increased tearing, redness of the eyes, pain;
- the appearance of red spots in various places, more often in the elbows of the lower limbs and abdomen;
- itching and swelling of the skin in places where spots appeared;
- difficulty breathing, persistent cough.
Over time, the pathological process occurs on any products similar to cereals. In addition, the symptoms become more pronounced.
How the diagnosis is made
There are several ways to diagnose rice allergy. They are all the same as in other types of hypersensitivity.
- Physical examination. First of all, it is necessary to examine the patient and make sure that the spots are allergic. The doctor determines the likelihoodhereditary predisposition, asks about the patient's diet and lifestyle, about the presence of chronic pathologies.
- blood ELISA for antibodies of immunoglobulins E. The test determines the number of specific IgE allergens, the total group.
- Radioallergosorbent test. If there is an allergy not only to rice, then the analysis will determine what else causes hypersensitivity.
- Skin tests - applying a small amount of an allergen to the skin of a patient in order to identify the agent. Due to the high potential for serious complications (angioedema), testing in childhood is not available.
Therapy Methods
Initially, the doctor identifies the causes and symptoms of rice allergy. Treatment is prescribed based on the results of the survey and examination. Therapy methods for all types of immunopathological process are the same.
The most reliable and effective treatment is to eliminate contact with rice. The cereal does not contain any special substances, it can be easily replaced, and the body will not suffer from this. In some cases, it is enough to limit its consumption.
The use of antihistamines and enterosorbents. Medicines are prescribed individually, depending on the age, characteristics of the patient's body, the course of the pathological process. Therapy in childhood should only be carried out under the supervision of a pediatrician.
Prevention
The basis for the prevention of allergies to rice, buckwheat and other foods is their limited consumption. Any product in large quantities can causenegative reaction of the body.
You should buy only high-quality proven cereals. You can’t buy rice in broken packaging, rodents could get there. Mice are carriers of most diseases, many of which are much more dangerous than allergies.
No less important is the strengthening of immunity. A he althy body is able to adequately respond to any stimulus.
Conclusion
Allergy to rice is rare. It can develop in both adults and children. The problem is quite serious and requires an immediate solution. If you experience characteristic symptoms, you should visit a doctor.
