What Is Citrus Allergy? What Should Be Done?

# Citrus Allergy: What Is It? What Should Be Done? Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Şengül Emeksiz, a member of the Turkish National Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, emphasizes that in cases of problems developing after citrus consumption, consultation with an allergy specialist is necessary for proper assessment of the condition. Citrus allergy can trigger allergic reactions such as skin redness, swelling, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, sudden cramps in the abdominal region, and drops in blood pressure. In severe cases, it can even lead to allergic shock (anaphylaxis) in individuals. Although fruits from the citrus group such as lemon, grapefruit, mandarin, orange, and bitter orange are frequently recommended for consumption due to their antioxidant properties and high vitamin C content, allergic reactions to this food group can reduce a person's quality of life and put their health at risk. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Şengül Emeksiz, a member of the Turkish National Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, notes that symptoms typically develop shortly after contact with or consumption of the citrus fruit. She stated that allergies most commonly manifest as itching, tingling, and mild swelling in the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat, while contact of the peel with the skin can cause skin redness, itching, and swelling, leading to a condition called Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Emeksiz notes that although rare, severe and immediately life-threatening allergic shock cases, known as anaphylaxis, can also occur. She stated: "In anaphylaxis or allergic shock cases following consumption of these fruits, symptoms develop such as skin redness, swelling, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain in the form of sudden cramps, drops in blood pressure, and dizziness." Emeksiz points out that allergic complaints resulting from consumption of fresh forms of citrus fruits are more frequently seen in people with pollen allergies. She explained that this condition, called Oral Allergy Syndrome, occurs as a result of chemical similarity between citrus and pollens and is explained by cross-reactivity.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Şengül Emeksiz, noting that those with pollen allergies can consume cooked forms of these fruits without problems, continued as follows:

"It is known that citrus fruits such as oranges, mandarins, and lemons show cross-reactivity among themselves—that is, even if patients are allergic to one of these fruits, they can still have allergic reactions to the others. Additionally, cross-reactivity between citrus and peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, and cashews has been reported in children. Similarly, in those with orange allergy, cross-reactivity has been identified related to shared protein with fruits including peaches, which are among the Rosaceae family, as well as plums, cherries, and apricots. Patients with a history of allergic reactions to citrus fruits should be investigated to determine whether they truly have citrus allergy or whether their allergy is due to other foods showing cross-reactivity."