A condition in which consumption of mint or mint bases products cause mild to severe, severe allergic symptoms is called mint allergy. These allergic symptoms include mostly respiratory disorders. Mint allergy can also be caused topically on the skin.
Mint or Mentha is a worldwide used herb. It is familiar as a breath as well as a stomach cleanser. Oils and products containing mint proved beneficial in many ways. It can treat headaches and stomach disorders. It is widely used as an oral supplement in the dental world for its properties or freshening up the mouth. Many sweets and candies also have mint. people use mint with ginger to for best great tea flavor. If you are a green tea lover or Ginger user, you may read Ginger Allergy Symptoms.
Topical creams tend to have mint. In the beauty world, mint is well known for its relaxing and soothing effect on inflamed skin. Yet allergies may prove to have an opposite effect on the surface.
Mint Allergy Symptoms:
People with mint allergy develop specific symptoms. These symptoms confirm the level of allergy. Symptoms of allergy when consumed are:
- Mouth itching
- Swollen tongue and lips
- Itchy throat
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Asthma
- Anaphylaxis
In case of topical application on the skin, the following symptoms occur:
- Redness
- Rash
- Itching on the skin
- Scares
The most severe case of extreme allergy is asthma. The mint content causes swelling of the respiratory tract. This allergy is more common in people with a sensitive respiratory system. Once asthma develops, it may become fatal.
Mechanism of Allergy Reaction:
Mint causes mostly respiratory reactions through various mechanisms. These mechanisms include IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. This condition is hypersensitivity of the antibody IgE. Malfunction of this antibody causes allergy symptoms.
Other mechanisms are nonimmunologic histamine release. As it is a well-known fact that the release of histamine is a common cause of any allergy. Hence these chemicals which directly stimulate the immune system tend to cause severe symptoms.
Mint Allergy Treatment:
This allergy is not very common. However, if one develops an allergy, one must avoid eating or having contact with mint. Mild symptoms often need no treatment and can only be controlled by preventing mint bases products. The symptoms can be managed by antihistamines (when consumed) or though tropical creams (in case of skin reaction).
However, in severe allergic symptoms, the major problem is asthma and bronchoconstriction, which are severe respiratory problems. They cause difficulty in breathing. Although it can be controlled through bronchodilators, medical assistance must be taken immediately.
Mint Cross Reactivity:
Mint belongs to the Labiatae family of the plant kingdom. This family includes other herbs such as thyme, oregano, etc. and chemical substances such as turpentine oil, menthol, and peppermint may trigger a mint allergy. This condition means that a person can develop an allergy through these substances as well. Mint is not necessary to develop an allergy.
The concept of cross-reactivity means the triggering of mint allergy through products not containing mint itself.
The Reaction by Mint allergy:
The first reaction to a mint allergy shows is the sneeze reflex. This technique is the most common and almost instant way of determining an allergy. The sneeze reflex is triggered to propel out the allergens from the respiratory tract. The over stimulations of nerves near the nostrils cause this sneeze reflex.
Other reactions are more serious, which includes a state of anaphylactic shock.
Mint containing products:
Various products include mint, for example, toothpaste, bubble gum, mouth wash, dental floss, mouth freshener, candies, etc. All these products are for freshening purposes. Avoid these products as they may trigger the allergy. Even small amounts of mint can trigger the allergy.
Mint Allergy FAQs:
-
Can you be allergic to mint?
Yes, you can be allergic to mint. The specific composition of mint can cause reactivity to the immune system. This condition triggers our immune system to detect it as a harmful substance. The defence mechanism then occurs in the form of an allergic reaction.
2. How common is a mint allergy?
It is not very common. There are fewer pieces of evidence of a person being allergic to mint. This allergy can be treated or reduces by altogether avoiding mint and mint based products or food.
3. Why do you sneeze when you eat mint?
If a person is allergic to mint, he can face allergic reactions such as sneezing. The sneezing action is reflex. This reflex action takes place when a harmful substance triggers the respiratory tract. The sneeze then expels that substance from the body through the nose by pressure.
4. What is mint cross-reactivity?
Mint cross-reactivity means that the allergy is triggered by-products not containing mint. Such as turpentine oil, peppermint, menthol, thyme, oregano, etc. If a person uses these products, he may develop an allergy through them, without consuming mint.
