Potatoes Allergy

Potatoes; It is among the commonly used vegetables, a source of food brought to Europe by the Spanish many years ago and spread around the world. Potatoes; It belongs to the Solanaceae family, such as eggplant, pepper and tomato. Potatoes, which are constantly found in kitchens, are used from breakfast to dinner. Potatoes are also used in a wide variety of snacks. In addition to its antioxidant properties, it has an improving effect on digestive system health and is a versatile, satisfying food with rich nutritional content. With all these features, some people, although rare, develop allergies to potatoes. Potato allergy can occur in both adults and children. People with potato allergies can be allergic to both raw and cooked potatoes. If you are allergic to potatoes; Your immune system sees some proteins found in potatoes as dangerous. To protect the body from danger, the immune system produces histamine and antibodies. As a result of this situation, an allergic reaction occurs.

Potato Allergy Symptoms

When people with potato allergy touch or eat potatoes, an allergic reaction occurs immediately. This allergic reaction may sometimes occur after a few hours. You may experience a rash on your hands while peeling or cutting potatoes. Or if you eat a food containing potatoes, you may feel tingling on your lips. Symptoms of potato allergy may vary from person to person; some people may experience severe symptoms, while others may experience mild symptoms.

• Symptoms of potato allergy are:
• Sneeze,
• runny nose,
• Watery,
• swollen and itchy eyes,
• Itching feeling in the throat and mouth,
• Itchy skin or eczema-like rash,
• Hives, Tingling on the lips,
• Vomiting, diarrhea,
• difficulty breathing,
• rapid heartbeat,
• Wheezing,
• Swelling in the mouth,
• tongue and throat,
• drop in blood pressure,
• Anaphylaxis (allergic shock)

Anaphylaxis is a very serious condition and medical support should be sought immediately. Life-threatening anaphylaxis can cause coma or even death.

Risk Factors and Cross Reaction in Potato Allergy

Potatoes; It is a member of the nightshade plant family. There are many vegetables, fruits and herbs in this family. Someone who is allergic to potatoes may also have family members who are allergic to other plants.

Potential allergens include:

• Tomatoes,
• Red pepper,
• bell pepper,
• Aubergine,
• Tobacco,
• Spices containing pepper,
• such as chili peppers

Sometimes, an allergy to a substance other than food can also make you susceptible to food allergy. This is called cross reactivity. For example, if you are allergic to birch pollen, you may also be allergic to potatoes.

Potato Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment

If you have or suspect potato allergy symptoms, it would be beneficial to consult an allergist. Your allergist will also examine your medical history and perform a series of methods and tests to determine whether you have allergies. The skin prick test is one of these tests. In this test, a small amount of a suspected allergen is placed on your skin. A small scratch or hole is then made in your skin to allow the suspected allergen to penetrate your skin. If there is any swelling or redness in the application area, it may mean that you are allergic to this substance. The tests and methods your allergist will use for definitive diagnosis may vary depending on your symptoms and condition. In potato allergy, as in other food allergies, the most effective treatment method is to stay away from the substance that causes the allergic reaction. Reducing exposure to allergens allows you to control your allergies. In some cases, your allergist may recommend using antihistamine medication to reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of allergy. These drugs do not prevent the allergic reaction, they only relieve the symptoms. Your allergist may prescribe an adrenaline auto-injector that you can use if the allergic reaction causes severe symptoms. Your allergist will give you detailed training on the situations in which this auto-injector should be used and how it is used.