A cherry allergy occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to certain proteins found in cherries, mistakenly identifying them as harmful. This immune response can lead to various symptoms affecting different parts of the body. Understanding the prevalence, manifestations, and appropriate management strategies is important for individuals who suspect they may have this type of food allergy.
How Common is Cherry Allergy?
Cherry allergies are not as common as other food allergies, like those to peanuts or milk. True IgE-mediated cherry allergy is relatively rare. However, Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) is a more frequent form of cherry sensitivity.
OAS related to cherries is a type of cross-reactivity. Up to 70% of individuals with birch pollen allergy may experience OAS symptoms when consuming fruits like cherries. Pollen cross-reactivity reactions to cherries are much more prevalent than direct cherry allergy.
Recognizing Cherry Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms of a cherry allergy can range from mild to severe, appearing shortly after consumption. Mild reactions often involve the mouth and throat, such as itching, tingling, or swelling. These localized symptoms are characteristic of Oral Allergy Syndrome.
More significant reactions can include hives or itchy skin, gastrointestinal issues like stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Deeper skin swelling, known as angioedema, may occur. The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition with difficulty breathing, sudden blood pressure drop, and dizziness, requiring immediate attention.
Understanding Allergy Types
Cherry allergies manifest in two forms: Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) and true IgE-mediated cherry allergy. Oral Allergy Syndrome, also known as Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome, results from cross-reactivity between pollens and similar cherry proteins. Birch pollen allergy sufferers often experience this when their immune system confuses cherry proteins with pollen allergens.
OAS symptoms are localized to the mouth and throat, due to heat-sensitive proteins breaking down during digestion. Raw cherries may cause a reaction, while cooked cherries might be tolerated. In contrast, a true IgE-mediated cherry allergy involves a direct immune response to stable proteins within the cherry.
This direct immune recognition can lead to widespread, severe systemic reactions affecting multiple systems. Unlike OAS, cooking cherries may not eliminate the allergenic potential in true IgE-mediated allergies, as the responsible proteins are more resistant to heat. Identifying the allergy type is important for effective management and understanding potential reaction severity.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosing a cherry allergy involves medical history, skin prick tests, and blood tests. Skin prick tests use a small amount of cherry extract to the skin for localized reaction, while blood tests measure specific IgE antibodies to cherry proteins. If tests are inconclusive but an allergy is suspected, an oral food challenge may be performed under medical supervision, involving consuming increasing amounts of cherry to observe reaction in a controlled environment.
Management involves strict avoidance of cherries and cherry products. Antihistamines can provide relief for mild symptoms. Those with severe reactions or at risk for anaphylaxis should carry an epinephrine auto-injector and have an emergency action plan. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis and should be administered immediately for severe symptoms.