Pumpkin seeds are the edible seeds that are a good source of zinc and other essential nutrients. Their antioxidant property makes them unique. They have long been valued for their anti-microbial property. Some of the people get allergic reactions by the consumption of pumpkin seeds called as Pumpkin Seed Allergy Symptoms. It contains cucurbitacin compound that is a main culprit for causing allergies. Although they are not considered to be the allergy causing like other seeds e.g. sesame. If someone is sensitive to pumpkin then he may develop pumpkin seed allergy. Pumpkin seeds are popular and used in salads, toppings and baking.
Pumpkin Seed Allergy Symptoms:
Allergy to pumpkin seed first of all affects your skin. People having pumpkin seed allergy may develop skin rashes, hives, and eczema. Eczema caused scaly and red skin. Swelling of the neck and mouth also occurs by eating this fruit or its seeds. It also causes rhino conjunctivitis such as sneezing and nasal congestion. In some cases pumpkin seed allergy may also cause allergic asthma disease. Asthma attacks occur with breathing difficulty and coughing. Another important symptom of allergy is oral allergy syndrome that may include the oral cavity:
- Inflammation of lips
- Tingling of tongue
- Itching of the mouth and pharynx
Contact dermatitis is also occurred by consuming or contacting with the fruit. Furthermore it also causes skin blisters and itching of the skin. Pumpkin fruit contain an ascorbate oxidase and profilin that is a common allergen responsible for causing allergies.
Pumpkin Seed Allergies Cross Reactivity:
Most of the IgE mediated allergies in response to the consumption of pumpkin seed is rare. If someone is using combination of fruits with pumpkin or its seeds they might develop cross reactivity. A person having mild seasonal allergy uses pumpkin seed with strawberry or banana will develop symptoms of:
- Pruritus
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness of throat
- Lightheartedness
Profilin compounds and lipid transfer proteins are the common type of plant allergens that cause cross sensitization between plants and food allergies. Although the pumpkin allergy is rare but it can occur through several routes. The patients who are suffering from birch pollen may also suffer from pumpkin seed allergy symptoms. Because birch pollen contain the allergen of the same structure as in pumpkin seeds. Some of the pumpkin seeds might be aspirated into the trachea of the children. So it will be avoid giving to children less than one year of age.
The gastrointestinal problems occur if the allergen present in any fruit is not being properly digested. Indigestion problems include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
If you are suffering from any type of Pumpkin seed allergy symptoms, you must have to seek an immediate medical treatment.
Pumpkin Seed Allergy Treatment:
Pumpkin fruit with its so much of nutrients and benefits is a famous fruit to add up in the diet. But if a person is allergic to pumpkin seeds than he must try to avoid the consumption of pumpkin fruit or its seeds into daily diet. People should take an average amount of pumpkin seed into their diet to get rid of allergic symptoms. If anyone is noticing an allergic symptom after eating pumpkin seeds. He must have to do the diagnostic tests for the proper treatment. The diagnostic test includes:
- Skin prick test to find out the allergen
- Blood tests
Treatments options for the pumpkin seeds allergy are the avoidance of this fruit with its seeds. People who are already allergic to pollen or suffering from ragweed allergy have to avoid this pumpkin fruit. Otherwise it will cause serious type of cross reactivity reactions. Do not use the pumpkin seeds in cooking and also avoid them when eating out. If you experience a serious type of reaction after using pumpkin seeds then seek an emergency medical help. Adrenaline injection is the best option to get relief from pain in emergency. Oral steroids and lotions, creams and ointments can also be used for the treatment of skin rashes and blisters.
This article is written to make you aware of the allergic symptoms caused by pumpkin seeds. The seeds of pumpkin fruit are consumed in large amounts. So everyone have to take a serious action on making their diet. Try to use fruits in your diet that give you more benefits and fewer side effects.
