Vinegar allergy is a rare reaction when there is excessive or out of control amount of vinegar in the body. It is not common to many but there are people who still have this condition although some are able to outgrow the symptoms as they get older.
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as dust, pollen, animal dander, latex, medications, stings — or food that doesn’t cause a reaction in most people. The immune system then produces antibodies that identify substances as harmful (allergen) even if they normally are not. Upon contact with the allergen, the immune system reacts in a way that it produces inflammation of skin, digestive system or blockages to sinuses and airways. The reaction can be mild or serious and therefore can be controlled but in severe cases (anaphylaxis), medical emergency is needed.
Risk Factors
- Children
- With asthma or another allergic condition
- With history of asthma or allergies
Symptoms of Vinegar Allergy
Symptoms vary from person to person although vinegar allergy has the same mechanism and reaction as other allergies. It can occur minutes after ingestion up to several hours and can be classified as local (itching, tingling, and redness of the skin) or systemic (swelling around the eyes, mouth, and sometimes the tongue and larynx). Generally, these reactions can occur:
- Headaches and migraines
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes and nose
- Heartburn
- Vomiting
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Nasal Congestion
- Constipation
- Skin rash
- Diarrhea
- White coated tongue
Diagnosis
Allergy to vinegar is difficult to detect because it is mostly used as additive. You must consult an allergist or doctor to help identify the cause of your allergic reactions. The doctor will examine you, perform tests, laboratory and blood works. He/ She might also prescribe antihistamines and oral or topical medications for mild symptoms and epinephrine for a more severe reaction.
Prevention
There is not much study about vinegar allergy however, if you are able to identify your triggers, avoidance is the most important thing to do. There is no known cure for any type of allergy but it can be controlled. The following may help patients deal with vinegar allergy:
- Stay away from products that contain high levels of vinegar such as dried fruit, soy sauce, beer, wine, tomato paste and bread.
- Prepare your own meals.
- When eating in the restaurant, inform the cook or waiter that vinegar should not be added to your dish.
- If you’re on a yeast free diet, it is advisable you keep off yeast.
- Read food labels and ingredients.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet/necklace to alert people of your serious allergy in case you have a reaction and you’re unable to communicate.
- It’s important to remember that although home remedies are available, they are not guaranteed to work and may not be safe for everyone. You should always talk to your doctor before beginning any type of treatment to help avoid a serious allergic reaction or other complications.
Disclaimer:
This material is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be relied as medical advice. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication or supplements.