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Onion Allergy-Causes, Symptoms, And Cure

27-May-2011 by thot4food

Onion Allergy is usually associated with the raw bulb and the cooked vegetable might help you too enjoy various mouth watering dishes without any discomfort. However, it is wise to remember that onion and garlic allergies might go hand in hand making you stick to the more bland fare instead of consuming the slightly pungent but delicious raw salads.

Reasons for Onion Allergy

The immune system of our body reacts to onions if they are ingested in the raw form. Handling them frequently might also result in contact dermatitis which becomes evident as the symptoms manifest themselves on the skin causing physical discomfort. While most people experience the symptoms within a few minutes of consuming or handling the edible bulb, a minority may not show any signs until after a couple of hours have passed by.

Onion Allergy Symptoms

Skin Hives with intense itching.
A feeling of bloating in the abdomen.
Nausea and Vomiting
Diarrhea
Rhinitis or runny nose
Conjunctivitis or eye infection
Eczema- a dry skin problem
Breathing Problems
Anaphylactic shock in extreme cases which can cause loss of consciousness.

Diagnostic Tests for Onion Allergy

Skin Prick Tests- The allergen is injected beneath the skin and reactions observed.
Blood Tests- For detection of the antibody IgE.
Food Elimination Tests- The suspected food is eliminated from the diet.
Food Challenge Tests- The food likely to cause the allergy is given to the patient in small amounts and the adverse reactions noted.

The last two are usually more helpful in determining onion or garlic allergies as the skin tests mostly prove to be negative or show a positive reaction to several food items.

Treating Onion Allergy Symptoms

Abdominal cramps and digestive problems can be cured by refraining from the edible bulb.
OTC drugs containing antihistamines can decrease the physical signs to a great extent.
Corticosteroids or topical skin medicines when applied regularly can help to cure the skin rashes and hives completely.
Certain home remedies like using aloe vera creams over the affected area can also prove to be soothing.
Bathing with rose water mixed with water may help too as will drinking a glass of water mixed with honey and lemon juice.
Severe reactions may need immediate medical intervention.

It is necessary to educate yourself about the whys and hows of onion allergy before you unwittingly invite trouble by handling or ingesting them in the raw form.

Image Credit- www.ifood.tv

Comments

Comments: 5 | Add a Comment

Donnie says :

Actually, many of us are severely allergic to onion, and other members of the Lily family, in any form. This includes cooked onion, garlic, etc. For some of us, even the fumes from cooked onion, garlic and others, can set off serious reactions. Symptoms include hives, angioedema, respiratory symptoms, throat swelling, asthma, and can include anaphylaxis. Onion and garlic allergies are ignored by the FDA, FAAN, doctors, etc. And onion and garlic are often unlabeled in food products, and can be hidden under natural flavors, broth, etc. Onion and other members of the Lily family can also cause oral allergy symptoms if eaten raw, or gastro symptoms if eaten raw or cooked. Onion intolerance may not be life threatening like an allergic reaction, but can cause a person to feel miserable, regardless. Onion allergy and intolerance is much more common then is reported. Most doctors don't look for foods in the diet as causing illnesses in their patients. They just prescribe drugs or surgery to treat the symptoms, instead of looking for a cause. They would rather drug it or cut it, I guess.

Posted on: 9 June 2011 - 1:51pm

Shirley says :

I have to totally agree with Donnie. The situation is the same in the UK, legally, small amounts don't need to be declared and manufacturers don't bother to label because of lack of space on the pack, and hide behind the fact that they do what's required by law. Just imagine if peanuts didn't need to be declared if less than one nut in a meal! My intolerance to onions, chives, and leeks has become more debilitating over the years until now I can't eat anything with it in, cooked or not, including powdered or in amounts small enough not to be declared. The symptoms are quick and highly unpleasant, and my digestive system takes 4 to 6 days to recover enough that normal, onion free foods don't pass out undigested. Hardly surprising when you realise how often we've unwittingly been poisoned. A recent walk past a kitchen demonstration where leeks were being processed made me so nauseous and light headed I had to go home early and not get what I'd gone for. Most people I discuss it with are affected by mild symptoms they ignore because they still like the taste, or know several others who also suffer. Anti-histamines don't help, the only thing that does is total avoidance. We are constantly told that onion has to be in food "to give it flavour" but I can honestly say that even those who don't have problems would like some foods not to taste predominantly of onions! Quite apart from which, every food item has it's own wonderful flavour to be brought out and enjoyed.

Posted on: 9 June 2011 - 7:49pm

StJason says :

And because it is such a common product put into just about everything, people with onion allergies either constantly go though symptoms or just stop eating food they didn't prepare themselves. And considering that just about every processed food out there includes some (as 'spices' or 'seasonings' or simply just layered on, because everyone loves them... And if they don't, then they can just pick them off!) ...Worse is the lack of information, which leads many to try and 'prove' something. Parents, friends, co-workers will constantly try and slip bits into dishes. Imagine if someone did not believe about lactose allergies and slipped milk and cheese into everything.

Posted on: 9 June 2011 - 8:39pm

Anonymous says :

severe intolerance to onion products (and also sulphur containing vegetables of all sorts like cabbage, and sulphur based preservatives) can be caused by the presence of sulphate reducing bacteria in the gut. A diet correctly designed to eliminate pathogenic bacteria from the gut, combined with effective probiotics adhered to in the long term, can eliminate these intolerances. My family and I are living proof of this. A program such as GAPS or the SCD for intestinal problems is perfect. I agree with all the other comments though - while you're still suffering from the intolerances, cooked onions are absolutely a problem and the symptoms can be debilitating.

Posted on: 9 June 2011 - 9:49pm