Corn Allergy
image Corn is a common food source that is used in many areas and does not harm health. Corn used in various areas such as sauces, oils and flours may cause allergic reactions in some people. Allergy; It occurs when the immune system sees a non-harmful substance as harmful. The immune system detects a threat and wages war against non-harmful substances. As a result, it produces antibodies and fights against the substance it sees as harmful. In corn allergy; The protein that is perceived as harmful by the immune system is the "Zein" protein. Corn allergy is rare compared to other food allergies.
Corn Allergy Symptoms
Corn allergy symptoms appear shortly after eating corn. Corn allergy can cause mild symptoms or very severe symptoms. Symptoms of corn allergy are usually mild and may disappear in a short time.
The main symptoms of corn allergy are:
- Vomiting,
- abdominal cramps,
- Indigestion,
- Diarrhea,
- Wheezing,
- Shortness of breath,
- difficulty breathing,
- Recurrent cough,
- Tension in the throat,
- hoarseness,
- Weak pulse,
- Hives,
- Pale skin color,
- Swelling,
- dizziness,
- confusion of consciousness,
- Oral allergy syndrome (itching, especially in or around the mouth) Nasal congestion,
- runny nose,
- sneezing,
- rapid heartbeat,
- Anaphylaxis.
*Anaphylaxis is a very serious condition and requires immediate emergency medical attention. Anaphylaxis, if not treated immediately, can lead to coma or death.
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Foods That May Contain Corn
Corn and corn products can be found in many packaged products. To give a few examples:
- Sugar,
- jams,
- syrups,
- canned fruits,
- snacks,
- sauces,
- Prepared meats such as hot dogs and deli meats,
- some drinks,
- Packaged soups,
- peanut butter,
- cheese paste,
- ice creams,
- Candies and gummies,
- instant coffees,
- carbonated drinks,
- Ketchup and mustard (ready),
- Baking powder,
- powdered sugar,
- cake yeast
Corn-based ingredients also include; It can be found in a variety of places, including toothpaste, shampoo, solutions, cosmetics, crayons, plastics, dishwashing liquid, pet food, and more.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Corn Allergy
If you experience any of the symptoms of corn allergy or suspect that you may have a corn allergy, you will need to see an allergist. Diagnosing corn allergy can be a bit complicated and difficult compared to other food allergies. Your allergist will ask you about your symptoms and the effects of these symptoms. Your allergist; It will proceed by answering questions such as whether there is any allergic disease in your family, your medical history and similar questions. It is difficult to definitively diagnose corn allergy with a skin test or blood test. For this reason, your allergist may put you on a food elimination diet. The elimination diet may last 2 or 4 weeks. In this diet, you must first remove corn and all foods and substances containing corn from your diet. During this process, you need to write down the foods you eat and the symptoms and conditions you experience in your nutrition diary. If you have not eaten corn or anything related to corn and you do not have symptoms, there is a tendency to believe that you are allergic to corn. In some cases, your allergist may also perform a food challenge test. In the food challenge test, a potentially allergenic food is gradually given to you and you may be asked to eat this food. This test should only be performed in a medical clinic and under the supervision of a doctor. You should not try this method on your own as corn allergy can cause severe symptoms. Your allergist will be able to diagnose corn allergy based on your symptoms and tests performed. With an allergy, the best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to stay away from the allergen. The most effective treatment for corn allergy is to stay away from corn and all products containing corn. When you eat out, you should definitely find out what is in the food you eat. When you buy packaged foods, you should read the contents in detail. You should not consume anything that you suspect may contain corn or corn products. If you wish, you can easily prepare a nutrition program that will keep your allergies under control and manage them with the help of an allergy dietitian.
