Allergies are reactions of an immune system against some specific proteins. The proteins are not necessarily harmful. The immune system mistakes the proteins for being dangerous invaders. The immune system then becomes alert to such kinds of proteins or any other substance similar to the protein.
Bananas seem to be harmless and delicious fruits. However, some people avoid it because of its rare allergic reactions. Banana allergy is often associated with latex allergy because some of the proteins in latex-producing trees causing allergies are similar to proteins found in bananas. This allergy syndrome is known as latex-fruit allergy.
Infants are the common victims of banana allergies. Their immune system is sensitive and intolerant to most proteins. Infants acquire allergies genetically or contract allergies from their close family members. Children who are allergic to bananas react to touching or eating bananas. If the allergies are intense, they can go the extra mile to cause anaphylaxis.
Banana allergy can appear as a result of latex allergy. Some people develop banana allergies due to exposure. Banana allergy symptoms may appear immediately after eating bananas or hours later. The appearance of symptoms depends on the severity of the allergy.
Several symptoms below are likely an indication of banana allergy.
- Sneezing or running nose
- Hives
- Difficulty in breathing
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Itchy, swollen, or red eyes
- Swollen or itching of the throat, tongue, and lips.
- Nausea
Severe symptoms
These are life-threatening symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Although life-threatening symptoms are rare, unlucky victims need close monitoring to avoid unnecessary death. The severe symptoms you need to watch for are;
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Decreased blood pressure
- Severe diarrhea and vomiting
- Flushed skin
- Closing of airways that leads to wheezing.
- Coughing
- A hoarse voice
Allergic reactions that develop due to the similarity in protein characteristics occur due to cross-reactivity. Generally, cross-reactivity is the reactivity of an observed agent initiating reactions outside the considerable one anticipated.
Banana allergy risk factors
Banana allergy risk factors render someone vulnerable and susceptible to banana allergy. These factors can catalyze allergy contraction or increase the probability of banana allergy acquisition. A person is likely to develop a banana allergy they have;
- Family prone to allergies such as pollen, plant, and food allergy especially, bananas
- Asthma
- Oral allergy syndromes with any food in the past
What about banana sensitivity?
Banana sensitivity occurs when proteins in the banana appear as foreign materials. If the proteins are mistaken to be intruders, the gut may allow some proteins to trickle into the bloodstream. The presence of proteins in the bloodstream thus triggers the immune system to produce antibodies.
Antibodies react with the proteins. The reaction result is manifested on the skin or along the digestive tract as intolerant symptoms. Some of the symptoms of banana sensitivity are;
- Headache
- Bloating
- Stomach cramps
- Rashes
- Diarrhea
- Excessive gas
- Stomach ache.
Banana sensitivity is different from banana allergy in terms of the manifestation of symptoms. Notice that banana allergy symptoms differ from banana sensitivity symptoms except for a few.
Furthermore, banana sensitivity reactions occur if a person has eaten bananas. This case does not apply to banana allergy reactions. A banana allergy occurs if a person comes in contact with a banana or eats the banana.
Banana sensitivity reaction symptoms may take a long to appear. Unlike banana allergy symptoms appearing instantly after contact with the victim, banana sensitivity symptoms can take up to two days.
Treatment for banana allergy and banana sensitivity
If you suspect you are suffering from either banana allergy or banana sensitivity, make sure you get the correct diagnosis. It is advisable to seek medical attention to eliminate any severe condition resulting from the underlying ailment.
Usually, banana sensitivity doesn’t last forever. So, after treatment, you must not necessarily cut off bananas from your diet. You can always manage your diet with the help of bits of advice from nutritional experts.
In the case of banana allergy, the patient must avoid bananas. Neither should they eat banana products nor come into contact with latex-based materials. Some things that may trigger banana allergic reactions are; smoothies, banana-flavored cosmetics, gloves, salads, raw healthy desserts, and many others.
For patience with anaphylaxis or severe symptoms, doctors prescribe that they should carry adrenaline auto-injectors devices at all times.
Banana allergy advantages
Despite banana allergies being unpleasant and causing discomfort to many people, they can also have positive effects on their bodies. Some researches reveal that allergies purposely evolve to defend patients from unidentified intruders.
For instance, itchy rashes, coughing, and running noses may help to discard toxic chemicals from the body. Antibodies produced by the immune system may also destroy weak pathogens and develop a defense mechanism against dangerous pathogens. The general idea of allergic reactions is to fight against strange unacceptable parasites and pathogens.
However, the pernicious allergy effects far outweigh the positive ones. So, no need to risk exposing yourself to allergens. Some allergic reactions may go further to weaken your immune system.