Symptoms of a Bananas Allergy

A banana allergy is a relatively rare food allergy, but people who are afflicted with it must exercise extreme caution so they don't ingest the fruit. The banana allergy takes two forms. The first is an allergy to bananas caused by an allergic reaction to tree pollen, in many cases birch pollen. The second, and usually more severe reaction, develops because the allergens in bananas are similar to the allergens in latex. This is called the latex-fruit allergy, and people with it may also be allergic to avocado, kiwi and mango, among other fruits.

Oral Symptoms

• People with the birch-allergy reaction to bananas can develop itching and swelling in the mouth within about an hour of eating the fruit.

Throat Symptoms

• Some people with a banana allergy will sometimes develop a scratchy throat and possibly inflammation from eating the fruit. This reaction is typically associated with the birch allergy to bananas.

Abdominal Trouble

• People who have the latex-fruit allergic reaction to bananas may experience abdominal pain, sometimes severe, after eating a banana. Some people may also experience vomiting.

Hives

• If you have a latex-fruit allergy to bananas, you may get hives after eating the fruit.

Anaphylaxis

• In rare cases, a banana allergy can cause an anaphylactic reaction in some people. This is a life-threatening condition in which people experience swelling and constriction of the airways, reduced blood pressure and dilated blood vessels. Without treatment, people can go into shock and it can become fatal.