Raspberry allergies may occur among those who are sensitive to chemicals contained in the berry known as salicylates. The most common signs of an allergy to raspberry include nasal congestion, runny nose, and watery eyes. Some people may experience allergic symptoms such as skin rash, itching, or hives when consuming or touching products which contain the chemical found in raspberries. More severe signs of an allergic reaction to raspberry include difficulty breathing, facial swelling, and loss of consciousness. A doctor should be consulted any time that a raspberry allergy is suspected in order to rule out the development of potentially life-threatening complications.
The majority of raspberry allergy symptoms resemble those of hayfever or other seasonal allergies. Headache, runny nose, and nasal congestion are among the most commonly reported symptoms of this type of allergic reaction. Itchy, watery eyes and sneezing may also occur as a result of an allergy to raspberry. Those who are allergic to the chemicals found in raspberries should be aware that other foods, medications, and cosmetics may contain the same chemicals.
A raspberry allergy may sometimes affect the skin, causing symptoms such as itching, swelling, and the development of a rash. Hives or the appearance of lesions which resemble eczema are common allergy symptoms. Immediate medical attention is needed if the skin begins to blister, peel, or if open sores appear. Scratching is not recommended, as injury to the skin can increase the chances of developing an infection.
Gastrointestinal symptoms may occur as the result of a raspberry allergy. Stomach pain, intestinal cramps, and nausea that occurs shortly after consuming this fruit may indicate the presence of an allergy. Severe cases of vomiting or diarrhea are possible and can lead to dehydration or other complications if not properly treated. Bloody diarrhea or vomit that resembles coffee grounds are possible signs of serious damage to the gastrointestinal tract.
Anaphylaxis is a medical term used to describe the most severe type of raspberry allergy. The symptoms of anaphylaxis often occur suddenly and can lead to brain damage or death within a matter of minutes. Asthma-like symptoms such as chest pain and wheezing, swelling of the throat or tongue, and loss of consciousness are among the most common signs of anaphylaxis. If a person experiences any of these symptoms, a caregiver should call emergency services and request an ambulance immediately. Paramedics can begin life support measures such as oxygen therapy or resuscitation efforts on the way to the hospital, greatly improving the patient's chances of survival.
What Allergens Are in a Raspberry?
Reactive proteins such as Bet v 1 homologue, chitinase, PR-10 (Rub i 1), and Rub i 3 are present in raspberries and other fruits in the Rosaceae family. Raspberries have been found to contain more allergens than strawberries or blueberries, which is why people are more allergic to raspberries than other berries.
Bet V 1 Homologue
Bet v 1 homologue is a lipid transfer protein that is relative to the birch pollen detected on raspberries. If you have an oral allergy syndrome (OAS), the birch pollen on the raspberries you consume will trigger a reaction in your body to cause lip or throat swelling, itchy skin, or other symptoms.
Chitinase
Cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) are present in raspberry chitinase. These react in the bodies of people with raspberry allergy, causing the allergic reactions described above. This means that if you are allergic to raspberries, you may also be allergic to apples, apricots, plums, and other fruits in the same family because of the cross allergens.
PR-10 Protein
PR-10 protein, otherwise known as Rub i 1, is in the pathogenesis-related protein family.
People allergic to PR-10 proteins will feel oral-related allergies as a reaction to consuming raspberries which can include:
- Itchy throat.
- Lips swelling.
- Feeling hoarse in your mouth and on your tongue as you speak.
- Laryngeal edema as a result of anaphylaxis from the raspberry reaction.
Rub i 3
Rub i 3 is a non-specific lipid transfer protein. It is a cross-reactive protein that interacts with Rub i 1 to initiate a raspberry allergy.
Salicylates
Salicylates are what keep the raspberries safe from disease while they are growing. It also repels insects from eating raspberries. The fruit's skin is where the salicylates are most concentrated. While they can lessen inflammation in your body, they trigger allergic reactions, too.
If you have a salicylate allergy, you may also be allergic to aspirin. Steer clear of raspberries if this applies to you.
How To Treat a Raspberry Allergy
If you have a mild allergic reaction, you’ll be able to treat it with antihistamines. However, if you know you’re allergic and start experiencing anaphylaxis symptoms, you will need to apply an epinephrine injection promptly. This will quickly tame the symptoms.
But, if a person is experiencing anaphylactic shock for the first time, they will need to receive urgent medical attention. Paramedics may take these measures:
- CPR if anaphylaxis stops the heart or breathing.
- Oxygen from a tank to reopen the airways.
- Cortisone or antihistamines in an IV to lower inflammation in the larynx.
- Albuterol to help the patient breathe better.
How Can I Discover if I Have a Raspberry Allergy?
If you have experienced allergic reactions from raspberries, talk to your doctor about diagnosing this possible allergy. They will recommend the best way. You may have to take an allergy test, undergo diet elimination, or complete another method. Some allergy diagnosis methods include:
Atopic Patch Test
You will receive a skin patch that will channel the allergens into your skin. The doctor applies the patch to your skin; you will monitor your allergen reactions. Report them to your doctor for a final diagnosis.
Diet Elimination
A safer and less invasive way to conduct an allergy diagnosis is diet elimination. You will not eat raspberries for 14-28 days based on what your doctor tells you. If no allergic symptoms arise, you will eat raspberries after that period to evaluate any reactions.
Food Diary
Keep a food diary while practicing the diet elimination method. Use a standard notebook or your smartphone’s memo app to record what you eat and drink for every meal and snack. If you regularly eat raspberries or food with other allergens, your doctor can pinpoint what is causing the symptoms if you have an allergic reaction.
Skin Prick Test
A skin prick test’s job is to detect if you have any IgE-mediated food allergies in your body. It can detect up to 40 different allergens that may be present in your body. If you test for a raspberry allergy, you can see if you have other allergies, too.
Final Thoughts on Signs of a Raspberry Allergy
The most frequent signs of a raspberry allergy are headache, swelling of the lips and throat, congestion, runny nose, and skin rash. If you eat raspberries and experience anaphylactic shock, seek emergency care immediately. Keep in mind that, more than likely, if you are allergic to aspirin, then you are allergic to the salicylates in the raspberry.
