Symptoms
The possible symptoms of kiwi allergy include:
- Oral discomfort, e.g., rash around the mouth, furry or itchy feeling in the mouth, swelling
- Rhinitis (allergic rhinitis).
- Hives, itching, rash
- Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
- Cough, shortness of breath
- Swelling, laryngeal edema
A severe course with anaphylaxis is possible. Notabene: kiwifruit contain calcium oxalatraphides (crystal needles), citric acid and other acids. They can irritate the skin and mucous membranes even locally without an allergy. Children are particularly at risk because of sensitive skin see irritation from kiwifruit.
Causes
The cause is an IgE-mediated allergic reaction to components of kiwifruit. These are proteins with a molecular weight of about 30 kDa (Act d). Kiwifruit originated in China and are now cultivated in New Zealand, California, and southern Europe, among other places ( sp., v.a. ).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by medical treatment based on patient history, clinical symptoms, with a skin test (fresh kiwifruit), exposure test, and laboratory methods (IgE detection).
Prevention
- For prevention, the consumption of kiwifruit should be avoided. Kiwifruit is eaten as a fruit and can be included, for example, in a fruit salad, desserts, yogurts, smoothies and jams.
- People who have already had a severe reaction should carry an allergy emergency kit or epinephrine ready shot.
- Note cross-reactions, for example, with latex, bananas and avocados.
Drug treatment
Treatment depends on the symptoms and severity. Medications used include antihistamines, glucocorticoids, and epinephrine as an emergency medication.