Potato allergy is an adverse reaction by the body’s immune system to potatoes or food containing potatoes.
Important Symptoms of Potato Allergy
The following are the important symptoms of potato allergy:
The specific symptoms vary considerably among patients. They may be mild to severe depending on the extent of the allergy.
Hay Fever: Mild and moderate potato allergy causes hay fever. Hay fever typically includes the following symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Watery eyes
Symptoms of Eczema
Eczema is one of the most prominent moderate disorders that develop due of potato allergy.
The following are the most important symptoms of eczema:
- Blisters
- Scabbing
- Oozing
- Discoloration
Apart form this, potatoes are also known to cause severe abdominal symptoms and migraine headaches. These are:
- A severe anaphylactic reaction to asthma
- Abdominal symptoms
- Eczema or headaches
Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylactic shock is the most prominent symptom of potato allergy. It is the characteristic advanced symptom of potato allergy.
Anaphylactic reaction: A severe allergic reaction involving the entire body. May even lead to death sometimes.
Treatment for Potato Allergy Symptoms
The treatment options for potato allergy symptoms include the following:
- Avoid contact with the allergen
- Take adrenaline injection if anaphylaxis reaction occurs
- Antihistamine to keep in check the secreted histamine
- Use bronchodilators to counter asthmatic symptoms
One Final Advice
For either taking treatment or changing the nature and course of the treatment, strict medical supervision is mandatory.
More Information on Potato Allergy
Research in Finland has revealed that potatoes contain many powerful allergens. In some people, asthma is induced merely by being near potatoes, when they are being cooked in the kitchen.
More Treatments for Potato Allergy
The main thing is to avoid contact with the allergen. So, dietary modification is necessary to exclude potatoes. Other useful treatments include:
- Nasal sprays, including anthistamines and topical steroids for allergic rhinitis.
- Eyedrops — olapatadine, ketotifen, levocabastine and ketorolac for allergic conjunctivitis.
- For asthma, take inhaled corticosteroids and inhaled beta agonists.
- Take oral steroids for moderate allergic symptoms, with skin conditions or asthma.
- Desensitization to get used to the allergen.
- In case of anaphylactic reaction, hospitalization may be necessary.
