Allergy to honey: symptoms, photos and treatment
Content:
Honey is a natural product rich in useful properties. The trace elements contained in its composition are often capable of causing an allergic reaction. The body begins to produce antibodies and resist the quiet assimilation of the product. Allergy to honey, in this case, can be expressed in a complex of manifestations.
What does an allergy to honey look like: photo
Allergy to honey: who is prone to this allergy
Allergies to honey are susceptible to young preschool children; women during pregnancy; people susceptible to other allergic reactions.
If you decide to give honey to a child under ten years old, take into account the advice of pediatricians in this matter: for the first time it is recommended to introduce honey into the child's diet not earlier than the age of three. It is best not to give this product to children under the age of five at all. And if your baby is susceptible to other allergic reactions, the chance for new symptoms to appear is greatly increased. This is explained by the fact that in the body of such a person there is a presence of gastrointestinal diseases, and the immune system is weakened.
Scientists have presented evidence that allergy symptoms are not caused by the product itself, but by its main ingredient - pollen.
Since there are many varieties of honey from pollen of various plants, a person may be allergic to a specific composition of the product. For example, it is believed that the most allergic honey is from acacia pollen.
Allergy to honey: symptoms, how it manifests itself
The symptoms of honey allergy manifest themselves in different ways for each person. Often, the intensity of the manifestation of allergies is associated with the amount of food eaten, which is a wrong opinion. The human body will react with the same set of symptoms to different amounts of honey.
It is also worth noting that not only honey in its pure form can cause allergies, but also any products in which it will be contained.
The general condition of the body will also affect the severity of allergy symptoms. If a person's immunity is weakened, the body's reaction will be much stronger.
Symptoms of a honey allergy: nasal congestion, swelling, pain and redness of the eyes, dry mouth, frequent sneezing, severe itching, shortness of breath, chest spasm, intense thirst, intense fever.
Rarely, but symptoms of an allergy to honey such as: a sharp headache, loss of strength, deterioration of mood, decreased pressure appear.
Is your body affected
To understand if you are prone to manifestation of allergy to honey, you can in the following ways:
- A way to check at home. Try putting a spoonful of honey in your mouth for 7-10 minutes, but don't swallow. People prone to allergies will show symptoms such as dry throat, swelling, itchy lips and tongue. If after such an experiment you did not show any reaction to the product, then you can not be afraid to introduce it into the diet.
- A way to check at home. Apply the product to sensitive areas on the human body, such as the skin, behind the earlobe, or the crook of the elbow. After about half an hour has passed, pay attention to whether symptoms appear in the form of redness or rashes on the skin. If there is no such reaction, then you are most likely not allergic to honey.
- The safest and most reliable method is testing by an allergist. Thus, you can find out the entire list of plants to which you are allergic to pollen.
Allergy to honey: what to do?
In the event of an allergy to honey, you need to help a person quickly, especially when it comes to children. Unfortunately, improper or inopportune assistance can cause suffocation. You should always have an antihistamine in your home and travel medicine cabinet. Symptoms of a honey allergy can come on suddenly. The drug should be applied as quickly as possible, within twenty minutes. Usually, these drugs take effect for the next 24 hours. At this time, it is necessary to urgently contact an allergist for a detailed consultation.
In the event that acute symptoms of honey allergy appear, such as shortness of breath, fever, chest spasm, medications cannot help, it is worth calling a doctor immediately.
What does an allergy to honey look like: photo
Preventive measures against honey allergy
If an analysis by an allergist confirmed that you are allergic to honey, then you should stop eating this product. Carefully read the composition of desserts, drinks, salads and other dishes that may contain bee products.
It is extremely dangerous to treat allergies on your own, follow only the instructions of specialists.
Medications for honey allergy are divided into two categories: oral and external use. Mild symptoms can also be treated with folk recipes. So a cool decoction of chamomile can be used as a compress on the source of irritation. The child can have a bath with the addition of herbs such as sage and string.
Honey is a natural and very healthy product. Don't worry if you have a reaction from using it. It is important to contact a specialist and pass the necessary tests. Thus, you will be able to identify species that are safe for yourself and safely eat this delicacy.