Signs and Symptoms of a Corn Allergy

Corn exists in many forms used in common foods. In addition to the actual vegetable form, there is the widespread use of cornstarch and corn syrup that may be in foods when we aren't even aware of it. For people with corn allergies, this can make life miserable. The many symptoms, the traditional and the unusual, can drastically affect a person's day-to-day life until he eliminates all corn and corn products from his diet. Recognizing the signs of corn allergies can help a person identify a problem with this popular veggie.

Anaphylaxis

• Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can happen as a result of a corn allergy. This reaction can be life-threatening and is much like the allergic reaction the body has to venomous stings from insects or the consumption of other common allergy-related foods such as peanuts or shellfish. Anaphylaxis will cause a large amount of immunity-related chemicals to flood the body, often resulting in shock, according to the Mayo Clinic. The airways narrow, making it difficult to breathe, the pulse may quicken and weaken, and nausea and vomiting may follow. The person typically has a radical drop in blood pressure as well, which could lead to fainting. Anaphylaxis requires an immediate trip to the emergency room and is usually stopped by an epinephrine injection. Failure to treat this symptom can lead to death.

Migraines

• Corn allergies can often be signaled by the development of migraine headaches. These headaches are very painful and often cause nausea and vomiting due to their extreme nature. The sufferer usually has a high sensitivity to light or sound while experiencing this type of headache, and the pain is typically focused in one area of the head, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Rashes or Hives

• Consumption of corn or corn products will often cause someone with a corn allergy to break out in hives or a burning or itchy rash, according to CornAllergens.com. Sufferers trying to pin down the cause of symptoms may notice a rash developing quickly when topical products are rubbed on the skin. Check the ingredients of sunscreen or other skincare creams, lotions or oils for corn products.

Other Symptoms

• In addition to the symptoms that occur frequently with corn allergies, there is a set of non-traditional symptoms that have been tied to the condition, according to CornAllergens.com. Although the link may not have been established in many cases, these types of symptoms will be worth noting to a doctor, especially if other traditional symptoms exist. Corn allergies may affect mood and behavior, especially in children. They may cause temporary depression, insomnia, eczema, fatigue, joint pain, hyperactivity in children, night sweats, dark circles around the eyes, repeated ear infections and urinary tract infections and a constant battle with sinus problems.