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Legume Allergy Symptoms

Legumes come in many different forms and are ingested by millions of people in the United States on a daily basis. The most common legume allergy is a reaction to peanuts, but allergies may occur with others in the legume family. In order to protect yourself and your family, it is important to know the symptoms of a legume allergy. As with all medical conditions, if you suspect an allergy to any legume, seek medical attention immediately.

  1. Types of Legumes

    • Peanuts are the most prevalent legume that provokes an allergic reaction. However, peas, soy beans and their derivatives (such as tofu), beans and lentils can also be a source of allergic reaction. Lupine, an additive common in European flours and flour products may also provoke a reaction in those sensitive towards legumes.

    Mild Reactions

    • A mild reaction to peanuts can be as simple as itchiness on the inside of the mouth (especially with peanut butter), redness of the face and stomach cramps. These are due to either a histamine response (in the case of itchiness) or because the allergic person lacks a critical enzyme (causing stomach discomfort) necessary for proper digestion of peanuts and other legumes.

    Severe Reaction

    • Some severe reactions can include vomiting, diarrhea and severe rash. These reactions indicate that the body has identified legumes as a potential threat or toxin and is purging the body of the offending material. In most cases, severe reactions will increase in intensity each time the victim is exposed to legumes, sometimes resulting in life-threatening reactions.

    Life-Threatening Reaction

    • In some cases, reaction to legumes can be extremely dangerous, including tightness of the chest or difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, dizziness, fainting, swelling of the tongue or throat and dramatic change in blood pressure. If someone experiences these reactions, medical attention should be sought immediately; a call to an ambulance or admittance to the emergency room is critical for the victim's survival.

    Prevention/Solution

    • There are no "cures" for food allergies, and legume allergies are no exception. In some cases, airborne legume dust can prompt an allergic reaction. The best prevention is to avoid legumes and legume products. In some cases of previous near-fatal reactions, doctors may prescribe an epinephrine injection pen, or "epi pen," for the victim to carry in case of accidental exposure.

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