Celery Allergy

Symptoms

The possible symptoms of celery allergy include:

  • Oral reactions: Itching, irritation, swelling, furry feeling.
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea
  • Respiratory problems: Asthma, rhinitis
  • Skin reactions: Itching, hives, rash.

Celery can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.

Causes

The cause of the symptoms is an IgE-mediated allergic reaction to components of celery ( from the umbellifer family). Celery is used both as a vegetable (e.g., for roasts, soups, stews, celery salad, celery stalks) and as a spice and is found in the form of the dried powder, for example, in spice blends, seasoning salt, in bouillons, bouillon cubes, salad dressings, and prepared foods. Cooked celery can also trigger allergies, depending on the sensitization, because some allergens are heat-stable. Those who are allergic to celery very often also have an allergy to birch pollen and to mugwort. This is called cross-allergy or cross-reaction and mugwort-celery (birch) spice syndrome.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by medical treatment on the basis of the patient’s history, clinical symptoms, and with an allergy test (epicutaneous test, detection of antibodies).

Prevention

To prevent an allergic reaction, foods and spices containing celery should be avoided. Celery must be declared and highlighted by food manufacturers in the list of ingredients. At the restaurant, it is necessary to ask if there is celery in the dishes or in the spices used.

Treatment

If a severe reaction is anticipated, patients should carry the allergy emergency kit and two epinephrine pre-filled syringes so that emergency medication can be administered immediately in the event of an exposure. In the event of anaphylaxis, medical consulatation is always necessary. Anti-allergic drugs such as antihistamines and glucocorticoids are available for symptomatic treatment. Causal therapy is possible with desensitization; see Allergy.