How to Treat an Allergic Reaction to Tomato Plants

The human immune system mobilizes defenses when it encounters certain proteins that it considers a threat by releasing antibodies that trigger cells to produce histamines. If histamines are released in the skin, they cause a rash and itching. If released in the digestive system, nausea and vomiting result. If the respiratory tract is affected, bronchospasms and difficulty in breathing can occur.

In some people, certain plants, tomatoes among them, can trigger this reaction. Why this occurs is not completely understood. The fact that it does and that there are treatments to deal with it are important to know for anyone who suffers from this type of allergy.

Instructions

Consult a Physician

• 1

  Have an allergist examine you using a skin test to check for a reaction to tomato and perform a blood test to check for specific antibodies.

• 2

  Ask your doctor to explain your allergy and recommend treatments, in case a reaction does occur.

• 3

  Have your doctor prescribe medication to treat a severe reaction. This can include an injectable form of epinephrine to treat a life-threatening, anaphylactic allergic response.

Allergy Prevention

• 4

  Follow common sense and avoid coming in contact with tomatoes or tomato plants.

• 5

  Watch for tomatoes in other products, such as juices, sauces, dressings and other food products. Checking the ingredients list is always a good idea before using anything that could contain tomatoes.

• 6

  Watch for cross-contamination of tomatoes when around prepared food items such as utensils used to serve food at restaurants, salad bars or group gatherings.

• 7

  Beware of the presence of tomato plants when visiting places such as garden centers and nurseries.

Mild to Moderate Reactions

• 8

  Treat mild allergic responses to tomatoes or tomato plants, such as hives, rashes, itching and watery eyes with an antihistamine. Benadryl or Claritin can be taken orally to help alleviate symptoms.

• 9

  Take anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol, to reduce swelling.

• 10

  Treat skin reactions with anti-inflammatory steroid creams, topical antihistamines or calamine lotion.

• 11

  Continue to monitor the reaction for signs that it may be progressing to more severe distress.

Severe Reactions

• 12

  Do not attempt to wait out an event if severe symptoms occur, such as major swelling of face, mouth and throat, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, or bronchospasms that impair breathing. This should be considered a life-threatening situation.

• 13

  Seek medical attention immediately by taking the affected person to a nearby emergency room or call 911 for assistance. Do not let the person drive.

• 14

  Use prescribed medication to relieve severe symptoms immediately. If the person has an epinephrine injector and anaphylactic shock is imminent, use it without hesitation, following the directions on the package.

• 15

  Take steps to prevent shock. Lay the person flat and raise the legs up on a pillow, about one foot off the floor, and keep the person warm with a blanket.

• 16

  Continue to monitor the reaction until medical help is provided.