Oral allergy syndrome
The reaction to fresh fruits in adults most often represents a cross-allergy with pollen. Proteins in apples, peach, and other fruits are structurally similar to pollen allergens, and the immune system recognizes them as “familiar.” This is manifested by oral allergic syndrome: itching and tingling of the lips, tongue and palate, slight swelling immediately after eating fresh fruit. A characteristic feature is that heat-treated fruits, compotes and baked goods are usually tolerated normally, since these proteins are destroyed when heated. Banana and latex have cross-allergens, so reactions to bananas, avocados, and kiwis in health care workers with latex allergy are of separate clinical significance. Peach, unlike others, also contains heat-stable proteins that can cause systemic reactions.
Blood test instead of skin test
Determination of specific IgE in the blood has important advantages over skin tests: it can be carried out during an exacerbation, while taking antihistamines, with severe dermatitis, when the skin is unsuitable for testing, and in young children. There is also no risk of a systemic reaction, since the allergen is not introduced into the body.
The panel format allows you to immediately test a group of related allergens in one blood draw - it is cheaper and more informative than testing each one separately.
How to read the result
- class 0 - no antibodies detected
- class 1 - low level, clinical significance is questionable
- grades 2–3 - moderate level, reaction is likely
- grades 4–6 – high and very high level, reaction is very likely
The main rule of interpretation
The presence of specific IgE means sensitization - the readiness of the immune system to respond, but not the allergy itself. A diagnosis is made only if laboratory data coincide with real symptoms after contact with this allergen. That is why you should not exclude a product from the diet only on the basis of analysis, without clinical manifestations - especially in children.