A variety of fruits causes allergic reactions in many individuals. Since fruits contain allergens, fruit allergic individuals display different reactions to the same fruit. Fruit allergy is frequently observed as local reactions in the oral cavity (oral allergy syndrome).
Pears belong to the Rosaceae family. Pears are a good choice if you are looking for a juicy fruit. They can be eaten raw, canned, as juice, and dried. They also find a place in jams and jellies, usually combined with other fruits.
As much as pears have their uses, pears can also pose a threat to some people. Pears contain allergens that may be harmful to individuals. The major allergen found in pears is called Pyr c 1.1
Symptoms Of Pear Allergy
The symptoms of pear allergy may vary in individuals. Allergic reactions may be mild, moderate, or severe in rare cases.
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1. Itching Sensation
The most common sign of a food allergy is the physical signs. Tingling, itching, or tenderness may be the first signs of pear allergy. Itching may occur in the mouth, lips, and throat. It may also begin in the fingers due to contact with pairs. When ingested, food allergens are passed to the digestive tract and there may be adverse reactions in the tract, too.
Studies have shown that the peels of Rosaceae fruits have a higher allergenicity than pulps.2
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2. Swelling
If an individual is allergic to pears, there may be swellings observed. The mouth, lips, tongue, and face are the most common parts that may swell up immediately or within a few minutes. Severe inflammation may cause trouble in breathing.
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3. Rashes
Sometimes the ingestion of pears can also form rashes on the body of an individual who is allergic to it. In some cases, individuals may suffer from red, scaly, and inflamed rashes.3
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4. Digestive Issues
When consumed, allergic reactions may give rise to digestive issues. Stomach cramps and vomiting are the two common symptoms. In addition, a person allergic to pears may suffer from diarrhea and abdominal pain.4
Pear Allergy Cross Reaction
People with birch pollen allergy can develop a pear allergy due to the similarity between a protein in birch that causes birch pollen allergy and a pear protein. This is called the birch-fruit syndrome. The symptoms of this syndrome generally appear within 5–15 minutes after consuming raw pear. The symptoms include itching and inflammation in the mouth and throat (called oral allergy syndrome, OAS).
The molecule, known as an allergen, involved in this kind of allergy does not survive cooking. Therefore, people who react to this allergen can tolerate cooked pear. Individuals usually react adversely to other fruits including apple, apricot, cherry, melon, banana, nuts such as hazelnut, or vegetables such as celeriac (celery tuber) and carrot.5
How To Avoid These Symptoms
Here are some ways by which you can avoid the symptoms of pear allergy.
- Consider eating the fruit cooked rather than in its raw form. As mentioned earlier, the allergenicity is more in the peels of the pear than the pulp. Peel the skin and try eating only the pulp.
- If you have a reaction, keep calm, rinse your mouth with some plain water and rest. A hot (but not scalding) drink may help to inactivate residual allergen. The tingling, itching, and swelling should settle within 30 minutes to an hour.6
- If you have difficulties with breathing, your voice becomes hoarse, your throat is closing up or you feel faint, you may need additional treatment. Visit your doctor immediately.7
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