Corn allergy is another type of food allergy that is rare, but just as severe as nut and shell fish allergy. It is also difficult to diagnose since common allergy tests such as blood and skin tests often come up with false positive results.
What most experts advise is to check the individual’s history to corn, but even that proves to be difficult to ascertain due to corn’s presence in several different kinds of food.
Corn allergy symptoms
- Hives
- Itching in the mouth
- Itching in other parts of the body
- Flushing of the skin
- Sneezing, congestion, runny nose
- Wheezing, difficulty in breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Swollen mouth, throat, tongue or face
- Difficulty in breathing
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness
- Lack of focus
- Sense of something bad will happen
The individual could also experience anaphylaxis if his allergy to corn is severe. If this is the case it is important to administer an epinephrine shot to said individual whenever he suffers from an anaphylactic shock.
Anaphylaxis often exhibits the following symptoms:
Cause of corn allergy
According to experts the protein found in corn called zein is what triggers an allergic reaction. This protein is deemed as a threat by the person’s immune system so the body releases the antibody IgE to combat it.
The IgE then activates the immune system to release histamines, which then causes the allergic reaction.
Although allergic reactions to corn often occur when an individual ingests one there are other individuals who also experience the symptoms even if they just came into contact with corn. Even minute particles of corn can already trigger a reaction.
