According to a review from the Louisiana State University Health Science Center, as many as 14 of every 10,000 people may have a spice allergy. Symptoms of a spice allergy can range from mild to life-threatening.
This article discusses spice allergies and their symptoms. It also explains how doctors diagnose them, and what you can do to both treat and prevent reactions.
Spice Allergy Symptoms
There are some normal physiological responses that can occur in anyone who eats certain spices. For example, chili or wasabi may cause immediate watering of the eyes and burning in the mouth in anyone who consumes them.
The reaction is not due to an allergic response, but to the chemical compounds they contain (capsaicin and allyl isothiocyanate, respectively). These irritate the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth.
This may be mistaken for an allergic reaction to a spice. However, with a spice allergy, there may also be other symptoms such as:
Swelling of the lips Nasal congestion Hives (urticaria) Bloating Nausea Diarrhea
Others still may experience shortness of breath or develop a rash where the spice came in contact with skin. This is known as contact dermatitis.
Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
In some cases, a potentially deadly, full-body allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis can occur.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis are typically severe and may include:
Wheezing and respiratory distress Chest tightness Hives Swelling of the face, tongue, throat, hands, or feet (angioedema) Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Rapid heartbeat Weak heartbeat Confusion Dizziness or fainting A feeling of impending doom
If left untreated, anaphylaxis can rapidly progress and lead to:
Coma Shock Cardiac or respiratory failure Death
Diagnosis
If your doctor thinks you have a spice allergy, they may perform an allergy test.
Most allergy tests involve applying skin patches, but not all spices can be tested this way. This is especially true for hot spices that can inflame and irritate the skin.
There are some blood-based allergy tests available. But here too, many of them can’t test for the broad range of potential spice allergens.
This all means that your personal experience is extremely important to making an allergy diagnosis. Repeated episodes can usually help narrow down what you may be allergic to.
Be sure to pay attention to the foods you eat, what they contain, and how you feel after eating them. Report all of this information to your healthcare provider. (The more detail, the better.)
Treatment
The treatment of a spice allergy depends on the type and severity of symptoms experienced. Among the options:
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For an uncomplicated allergy, oral antihistamines can provide relief by blocking the activity of histamine. This is a chemical released by the immune system that triggers allergy symptoms. For contact dermatitis, a topical corticosteroid cream can help reduce inflammation and redness. Oral corticosteroids may be prescribed in more extreme cases. Corticosteroid nasal spray can help relieve nasal congestion. If you’re at risk of anaphylaxis, an epinephrine injection can provide immediate relief. It does this by relaxing the smooth airway muscles and blood vessels.
Prevention
Ultimately, the best way to deal with a spice allergy is to avoid the spice in question. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done.
Many foods are pre-seasoned or use seasoning agents made from multiple herbs, spices, and chemicals. And dishes prepared in a restaurant may include spices not called out on a menu.
Examples of cross-reactivity include:
Oregano and thyme Onion and garlic Paprika and mace Mustard and rapeseed Mustard and tree nuts Sesame and tree nuts Cottonseed and walnut Birch pollen and various spices Mugwort pollen and various spices Celery and various spices Carrot and various spices Fenugreek and peanut
Given this, a person with a severe allergy may need to avoid all spices until they find the allergen or allergens that are causing the problem.
They may also need to carry an EpiPen or a pre-loaded epinephrine syringe to use in case they experience a severe reaction.
Summary
Although it’s rare for someone to have a spice allergy, it can sometimes occur. People may even experience severe allergic reactions when they eat particular spices.
Most allergy tests only test for a small variety of spices. This is why you should pay close attention to the foods you eat. If you repeatedly experience allergic reactions to certain foods, this can help you pinpoint which spice allergens cause you to feel sick.
