Allergy, Pineapple

Allergic reaction to pineapples or Ananas comosus is when you develop intense itching and other signs from either eating, drinking, or even touching the tropical fruit. Like any other food allergy, it can trigger many symptoms and issues in the body. Although this is a less common food allergy type, it can become severe if ignored. It is found to have been associated with the profilin pan-allergen types, like Ana c 1 and bromelain.

You can either develop symptoms instantly or after several hours of exposure to the Ananas comosus fruit. Allergic reactions can include anything from itching and hives to digestive problems. Below are some of the symptoms one can observe when suffering from pineapple allergy:

• Swelling on different areas of the body, such as the lips, tongue, throat, and face 
• Skin flushing, blushing, or redness 
• Having difficulty breathing 
• Constipation 
• Sinus congestion 
• Feeling dizzy and fainting 
• Intense itching sensation, hives, or urticaria 
• Having a metallic aftertaste 
• Anaphylactic shock and drop in blood pressure

Among all these symptoms, anaphylaxis is the most severe one. This is considered a medical emergency, and you may need immediate medical assistance if you suffer from breathing difficulties. This is a relatively common symptom for those suffering from pineapple allergy.

The allergy can be transferred genetically, meaning you might be at risk if your parents, siblings, or grandparents have this. So, new parents should consider this factor when weening. Delay in introducing any allergenic food to your infant may actually increase the risks. However, you should always consult your doctor first.

A pineapple allergy test can help determine if you or anyone in your family have an allergic reaction to the fruit. The test measures the Immunoglobulin E or IgE antibodies. The IgE isotypes are the ones that react first to any allergic reaction in the immune system. When you consume any allergenic item, your immune system will respond and produce the IgE antibodies that travel to the cells, releasing chemicals and causing an allergic reaction.

The pineapple allergy IgE blood test is an in vitro testing method. It helps determine the amount of these allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the sample. A phlebotomist will collect the patient's blood sample using the venipuncture method. A small amount of blood is collected by inserting a needle into the vein of your arm. The sample is immediately dispatched for evaluation.

The test is done using the Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) method. It makes use of a fluoroenzyme immunoassay that allows for higher antigen binding. Therefore, the patient serum is exposed to this antigen-bound substate for IgE detection. It is then mixed with an enzyme conjugate that helps determine the release of proinflammatory mediators. Common examples of these are histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. They are released from the cells sensitised by immunoglobulin E (IgE).

You  can avail this test via Apollo 24|7 and get the diagnostic report within hours. Of course, various factors are considered when choosing the allergens to which the immune system responds. These include:

• Previous history of exposure to allergens 
• Clinical manifestations 
• Age of the patient 
• Season of the year

Nonetheless, IgE antibody detection is the most reliable method to identify and diagnose the chances of pineapple allergy than other etiologies. This will help your healthcare provider determine the root cause faster and prescribe proper medication.