Allergy, Rice in Ballygunge, Kolkata

For more than half of the planet's population, rice is a crucial staple crop. The grain is a rich source of several essential nutrients for billions of people all over the world. Nevertheless, there are some people with rice allergy who may become sick after eating, touching, or inhaling the steam from boiled rice.

People with allergies should take special care to steer clear of rice-containing foods. It can be more complicated than it seems to cut rice out of your diet. Numerous snacks, meals, and even beverages have rice as an ingredient. Some of the common rice-based dishes and beverages include:

• Certain morning cereals, both hot and cold  
• Several brands and kinds of granola bars  
• Rice cakes 
• Bread and pastries made with rice flour  
• Certain baby meals
• Rice milk and pudding  
• Sushi 
• Sake 
• Rice noodles 
• Risotto 
• Beer or wine

A patient's immune system reacts when they are allergic to rice. The body creates IgE antibodies against some contaminants because it perceives them as hazardous. An allergic response is indicated by the release of histamine, which is induced by these antibodies. Apollo Pharmacy's Rice Allergy test is a rapid and effective technique to identify this condition.

In a Rice Allergy test, the Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels supplied in KU/L, or kilo units per litre, are checked to determine the interpretation of the rice allergy. IgE antibodies are necessary for the immune system to respond to allergens linked to allergy disorders. If the IgE number in your test results is less than 0.35 KU/L, it suggests that there is no evidence of a rice allergy. If the IgE score in your test results falls between 0.70 and 17.5, it means that there is evidence of an allergic reaction. Values above 17.5 imply positive results for patients under sporadic circumstances. Since there is no specific remedy for a rice allergy, cutting back on its consumption is the only option.

• A Rice Allergy test is particularly beneficial in:  
• Establishing a rice allergy diagnosis  
• Identifying the allergens that cause allergic symptoms or anaphylactic reaction  
• Obtaining confirmation of hypersensitivity before starting immunotherapy  
• Investigating the specificity of immune responses to medications, chemicals, or insect sting allergens

Given that many proteins are broken down by heat, it may be acceptable to eat cooked rice; however, it is crucial to speak with an allergist before doing so. You must avoid rice and its derivatives until it is considered safe to eat if you exhibit indications of a rice allergy. 
 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Saibal Moitra, Allergist and clinical immunologist, Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata.