Garlic is an indispensable ingredient in our Sri Lankan cooking , isn't it? Whether it's a stew, a stir-fry, or a stir-fry, the aroma and flavor that comes with adding two or three cloves of garlic... It's not just a food, it's a feeling. But did you know that the garlic we eat so much can cause a dangerous allergy in some people? That's what we're talking about today.
Why are some people allergic to garlic?
Simply put, an allergy is a small mistake that occurs in our body's defense system, that is, the immune system . Think of our immune system as a body's defense system. Its job is to protect us from diseases by fighting harmful germs , bacteria, and viruses that enter the body.
But sometimes this defense gets confused. When something that's actually harmless, like garlic, enters the body, it thinks, "Here comes an enemy!" and starts to fight it. During this fight, various chemicals are produced inside the body. It's those chemicals that cause us to develop allergy symptoms .
Compared to allergies to seafood such as peanuts, cashews, shrimp, and squid, garlic allergy is a relatively rare condition . However, if someone does develop it, it should not be ignored.
What are the main symptoms of this allergy?
The symptoms of a garlic allergy can vary from person to person. Some people may experience skin rashes as soon as they touch garlic. Others may experience symptoms within minutes or up to two hours of eating a food containing garlic. Let's take a look at the main symptoms.
| Type of symptom | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Skin-related symptoms | Skin rashes (hives), redness, eczema-like condition (contact dermatitis), and excessive itching. |
| Mouth and facial features | Swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, or face. A tingling or itching sensation inside the mouth. |
| Characteristics of the respiratory system | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing, and asthma symptoms. |
| Characteristics of the digestive system | Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. |
| Other serious symptoms | Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and a severe, life-threatening allergic condition called anaphylaxis . |
Is this an allergy? Or a food intolerance? How do you know for sure?
Many people confuse the two. An allergy and a food intolerance are two different things.
- Allergy: This is caused by the immune system interfering with the body's defenses, which means the body's defenses mistakenly attack something that is harmless.
- Food Intolerance: This is not caused by the immune system. It can be caused by:
- The lack of an enzyme in the body that is needed to digest a certain food.
- A condition like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- Stress .
Food intolerance usually causes digestive symptoms such as stomach upset and bloating. However, allergies can cause more severe symptoms such as skin rashes and difficulty breathing .
If you feel uncomfortable when you eat garlic, it can be difficult to determine what it is. Therefore, the best thing to do is to see your doctor for advice. He or she will ask about your symptoms and, if necessary, perform a skin prick test or blood test to confirm whether it is an allergy or not.
Anaphylaxis: The most dangerous side of garlic allergy
The biggest fear with any food allergy is a condition called anaphylaxis. This is a very severe allergic reaction that can occur suddenly and can even be life-threatening . This is a medical emergency.
At this time, the immune system suddenly releases a large amount of chemicals into the body, which can cause the entire body to go into shock.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis
| Anaphylaxis symptoms |
|---|
| Weak and rapid pulse |
| Sudden drop in blood pressure |
| Skin irritation or redness |
| Nausea and vomiting |
| Swelling of the tongue or throat, making it difficult to breathe |
| Dizziness or loss of consciousness |
If one or more of these symptoms appear, it is an emergency. The patient should be taken to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
How to live with allergies?
In most cases, food allergies cannot be completely cured. So the best thing to do is to completely avoid the food that causes the allergy. To do this, you will need to do the following:
- Be careful in the kitchen: Wash and clean dishes, spoons, and cutting boards that have been used with garlic.
- Inform others: If you're going to a friend's house for dinner, tell them about your allergy in advance.
- Be aware at restaurants: If you're eating out, tell the chef or manager about your allergy. They may be able to prepare your meal differently.
- Be careful at parties: When eating at a party, avoid eating food if you don't know exactly what's in it.
- Keep emergency medication with you: If your doctor has diagnosed you with a severe allergy and has prescribed an emergency medication like an EpiPen , keep it with you at all times.
Most importantly: If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), even if you use an EpiPen, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) without delay. The effects of the EpiPen can wear off in about 30 minutes. At the hospital, doctors will monitor you and provide you with the necessary treatment.
Will these allergies go away in children?
Some children may outgrow food allergies as they grow older, but food allergies in adults usually last a lifetime.
Important: Do not try to test your child at home to see if they have an allergy. It can be dangerous. It should only be done in a hospital under the supervision of a doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Although garlic allergy is rare, it can be very serious.
- Symptoms can range from minor skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
- If you feel uncomfortable after eating garlic, do not make decisions alone and definitely see a doctor.
- Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If you develop symptoms, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- The best treatment is to completely avoid garlic and foods containing garlic. It is very important to read labels before eating and to educate others.
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