Kiwi is a fruit belonging to the Actinidiaceae family, rich in potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A and E and alpha linoleic acid. Kiwi is rich in fiber and has antioxidant properties. Despite all its benefits, some people develop an allergic reaction to kiwi. People with kiwi allergies may experience skin rash or a tingling sensation in the mouth when exposed to kiwi. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system reacts negatively to some substances found in kiwi. In kiwi allergy, cross-reactivity to other substances usually occurs. Kiwi allergies are a common cause of oral allergy syndrome.
Kiwi allergy is a type of allergy that is becoming increasingly common, especially in children. Among the reasons why kiwi allergy has become so common; This is because it cross-reacts with many other nutrients and substances, such as birch pollen, avocado, banana, rye grain and hazelnuts. Cross-reactivity occurs when different allergens share similar properties and the immune system reacts to these allergens in the same way. People with latex allergies may also be allergic to kiwi due to cross-reactivity.

Kiwi Allergy Symptoms

Kiwi is a common cause of oral allergy syndrome, which involves local allergic reactions around the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. Often the first symptoms of a kiwi allergy may include a prickly, itchy or tingling sensation in and around the mouth. You may also experience redness in areas where the skin comes into contact with the fruit. Some people may experience severe reaction symptoms the first time they eat kiwi. However, while a person may experience very mild reactions when first eating the fruit, there may be times when exposure causes much more severe symptoms. In most cases, kiwi reactions are not serious and may cause mild localized symptoms. However, allergic shock, called anaphylaxis, can occur and become a life-threatening situation.

Severe reactions to kiwi include these symptoms:

• rapid heartbeat,
• difficulty breathing,
• Swelling in the throat,
• tingling in the mouth,
• Numbness in tongue,
• lips,
• throat,
• Severe abdominal pain or cramps,
• sudden drop in blood pressure,
• Dizziness or loss of consciousness.
• These symptoms are very serious and require immediate medical attention.

Mild symptoms of kiwi allergy include:

• Eczema,
• Itching in the mouth,
• lips and tongue,
• redness,
• swollen skin,
• Hives,
• skin rashes

Risk factors

People with kiwi allergies are often sensitive to other allergens. The most common cause of kiwi allergy is oral food syndrome, which causes people with kiwi allergy to also be sensitive to some foods and substances.

Someone who is allergic to kiwi is likely to be allergic to the foods and substances listed below;

• Latex,
• Pollen,
• Chestnut,
• Avocado,
• Banana,
• Apple,
• Peach,
• Papaya,
• Pineapple,
• Olive,
• Carrot Potatoes,
• Sesame and poppy seeds,
• hazelnuts

Kiwi Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment

If you have experienced any of the symptoms of kiwi allergy, you need to see an allergist. You may have experienced mild symptoms of kiwi allergy, but this does not mean that the next reaction will be mild. Kiwi allergy can also lead to life-threatening situations. For this reason, it is important to see an allergist. After taking your medical history, your allergist will perform some tests to diagnose allergies. The tests performed by an allergist may vary depending on your symptoms and condition. The most effective way to treat allergies is to stay away from the allergen that causes the allergic reaction. Avoiding eating kiwi or anything containing kiwi will reduce your risk of allergic reactions. Additionally, your allergist will give you detailed information about foods that may cross-react with kiwi and cause allergies. You can be comfortable without reducing your quality of life with an allergy management plan you will create with the help of an expert.