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Information Relating to Acacia Allergies

The acacia shrub, which grows primarily in Southern California, produces an allergenic pollen in springtime that can induce hay fever and asthma. People can also have allergic reactions to gum acacia, made from sap and commonly used as an additive in foods and beverages nationwide.

  1. Uses for Acacia

    • Gum acacia, also called gum arabic, is used as an emulsifier in mayonnaise and ice cream, as a stabilizer to maintain foam on beer and soda, as a thickener in candies and gum, as a glazing agent and as a demulcent to soothe irritated tissues. It is also used in the printing and textile industries.

    Symptoms of Gum Acacia Allergy

    • Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can vary according to whether the reaction is to acacia pollen or gum acacia. Stomach cramps, diarrhea and nausea usually occur with gum acacia allergy; watery, itchy eyes, cough, hives, asthma, eczema, itching, wheezing and swelling of lips or tongue are usually more common reactions to the pollen. Workers in printing plants who inhale a mist containing acacia sometimes develop an occupational allergy called "printer's asthma." As with any allergic reaction, there is a possibility of anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening complication that causes extreme swelling of lips and tongue and difficulty breathing.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosis for gum acacia allergy may be made by skin testing and by identifying foods that may have triggered an attack. Identifying a food additive allergy can be difficult; sometimes an oral challenge--in which the patient ingests the additive under close supervision by a doctor--is necessary.

    Treatments

    • Depending on the severity and symptoms, a gum acacia allergic reaction may be treated with antihistamines to ease itching and swelling, and bronchodilators to relieve asthmatic symptoms and make it easier to breathe. In severe cases, steroids may be used. An anaphylactic reaction is treated by an epinephrine injection.

    Prevention

    • Because food additives such as gum acacia are common in many prepared foods, as well as in foods served in restaurants, the best way to prevent a reaction is to buy unprocessed, natural foods and prepare them yourself at home. Examine all labels carefully. A doctor may also recommend immunotherapy, or allergy desensitization shots.

    Warning

    • Rapid swelling--particularly around the mouth and throat--trouble breathing, dizziness and faintness are signs of anaphylactic shock and require an immediate visit a hospital. According to the eMedicineHealth website, an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine should be given if swallowing is possible.

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