Introduction

 

Raw onions can cause reactions in certain people when eaten, handled, or smelled. Both raw and cooked onions can cause symptoms in some people. Allium is a plant genus that includes chives, shallots, garlic, and onions. Individuals with onion allergies or sensitivities often have these conditions with other alliums. Many people have an allergic reaction to ornamental alliums (inedible plants). An allergic person's immune system responds to onions as if they are a harmful material. As a result, allergy symptoms such as vomiting, itching, swelling, and breathing difficulties can be very severe.

The allium family of plants, which also contains shallots, leeks, scallions, and garlic, includes onions as a member. When onions come in contact with food, an allergic reaction could occur

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Onion Allergy Symptoms

 

It is necessary to see whether you are allergic or have sensitivity related to onions.

Following that, your body takes defensive action, releasing substances like histamine. These substances can have symptoms that range from unpleasant to perhaps fatal. It is more typical to have an onion sensitivity (or intolerance). Moreover, non-allergic food hypersensitivity, also known as food intolerance, is brought on by the body's inability to process and digest a particular food properly.

Dietary allergies frequently result in more severe reactions than food intolerances. Your immune system will not trigger you to have an onion intolerance, but you could still suffer some of the same symptoms as an allergic reaction. People allergic to onions may have symptoms up to two hours after eating the food. An allergy to onions may manifest as vomiting, diarrhea\headache, stomach cramps and itchiness, nausea, fainting, or anaphylaxis, which is uncommon.

Once the onion has left your body, symptoms usually go away. If you get a harsh reaction, such as difficulty breathing, severe vomiting, or dizziness, you should immediately seek medical attention. In a few rare instances, if you have a true allergy, you might exhibit symptoms for days after exposure.

If you visit an allergist, have a skin test, and are found allergic to onions, you should be aware that other foods and plants can also cause an allergic reaction. These include shallots, garlic, and chives. These compounds also include mugwort, most frequently seen in Asian tea.

 

Onion Allergy Treatment

 

You should be mindful of cross-reactivity from other foods and plants if you visit an allergist, has skin tested, and are found to be allergic to onions. These include shallots, garlic, chives, and scallions. Among these ingredients is mugwort, most frequently seen in Asian tea.

 

Your allergic reaction's severity will determine the best course of treatment. The following are remedies for onion allergy:

1. Antihistamines

 

Antihistamines can be purchased without a prescription as oral or topical drugs. These drugs stop histamine from acting, which lessens or gets rid of minor allergic symptoms, including hives, itching, and nasal congestion.

2. Aloe vera

Aloe vera can aid in relieving itching hives. However, it does not lower body histamine levels. It is available online and at pharmacies.

3. A hydrocortisone cream.

This over-the-counter drug can lessen irritation and itching when applied topically.

4. Epinephrine

An auto-injector used to administer this prescription drug is available under various brand names. Anaphylaxis and other severe allergic reactions are treated with it.

5. Inhaler for albuterol sulfate

This prescription bronchodilator aims to improve airflow through the bronchial tubes. It can be challenging to avoid these drugs; you'll need to be vigilant and read the labels. Avoid flavored cheeses, canned soups and sauces, crackers, frozen pizza, most frozen dinners, deli salads, salad bars, and flavored broths.

Other Onion Allergy Treatments

Be cautious to avoid attractive plants and edible alliums, which might aggravate your symptoms. It might be beneficial to take an antihistamine daily, mainly when mugwort pollen levels are high. There are plants in the same genus as onions (the allium genus) that, when exposed, may produce allergic reactions. Alliums, wild onions, wild chives, most lilies, daffodils, and tulips are among these.

Avoidance is the best course of action. You can use oral antihistamines to decrease the intensity of the reaction if you eat an onion. To relieve itchy hives or a rash, apply aloe vera or hydrocortisone cream. Your doctor may prescribe an Epi-Pen to treat severe reactions like anaphylaxis and

 

Conclusion

Your doctor could advise you to attempt an elimination diet for five to six weeks and then report your findings. In an elimination diet, you take out every food you think you could be allergic to and then, after some time, add them back in to discover which ones make you react. For food allergies and sensitivities, there are numerous diagnostic tests available. If you take antidepressants, antihistamines, or heartburn medication, let your doctor know, as these medications may alter test findings. If the condition is severe, seek emergency medical attention if you experience severe side effects, such as persistent nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal discomfort. You may occasionally continue to have onion allergy symptoms for days after your exposure has ended. A doctor may also need to be consulted in this circumstance.