The symptoms of onion allergy are similar to those of food allergies. You may experience:
Headache or muscle aches when eating onions. (This symptom occurs in up to 20% of people with onion allergy)
Nausea and vomiting after eating onions. (This symptom occurs in up to 10% of people with onion allergy)
In addition, there are other symptoms such as:
Rashy rash on your face, hands and feet.
Skin rashes on your mouth, throat and nose.
Dizziness and lightheadedness when you eat onions.
These symptoms are caused by the chemical compounds called allergenic substances in onions. These chemicals cause allergic reactions. If you have any of these symptoms, then it means that you might have onion allergy. Some of them include:
Allergies to raw eggs and milk products like cheese, yogurt and kefir.
Allergies to other foods such as wheat, soybeans, fish and nuts.
Insect stings.
In addition, infants with the following symptoms should be taken to a medical center for evaluation:
Confusion or loss of consciousness.
Twitchy eyes or difficulty in breathing.
Wheezing, runny nose or hives.
Allergies to onions are not dangerous. Still, they can cause discomfort and pain. If you want to avoid these symptoms, you should get tested for onion allergy. After you have been properly diagnosed, you can work with your allergist on an effective treatment plan.
The most important thing to do is to carry an epinephrine injection with you at all times because it can reverse the effects of anaphylaxis. Your physician will prescribe a dosage appropriate for your weight and health.
There are other methods of treatment for onion allergy symptoms. For itchy skin, you can apply cool wet compresses or take a bath with plain water. You can also apply calamine lotion or anti-itch creams. For burning skin and stinging pain you can take a bath with plain water.
If your throat feels scratchy or you have difficulty swallowing you should rinse your mouth and swallow water, warm drinks, milk, and soft foods. You should also see a doctor as soon as possible.
How come I am having an allergic reaction to onions?
Onions are part of the Lily family, which also includes garlic, chives, shallots, leeks, and scallions. People usually develop rashes and hives after exposure to these plants. The most common symptoms of an onion allergy are itchy skin and watery eyes. More severe symptoms include breathing difficulties and anaphylaxis.
A reaction to onions usually occurs soon after you’ve eaten them. The most common symptom is an itchy skin rash. It usually appears as tiny, red bumps that are raised off your skin. These bumps may join together to form larger rashes called hives.
In some cases, the rash can become itchy and swell up into an uncomfortable mound of bumps.
Less commonly, you may experience watery eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. In addition, you may cough and wheeze if your throat and lungs react badly. You may also feel lightheaded or dizzy. If you have an allergy to onions, eating a small amount can cause symptoms.
However, some people need to eat much larger amounts for the allergy to occur.
If you have asthma or a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, eating onions can trigger a life-threatening asthma attack or other severe symptoms. Anaphylaxis can cause severe changes in your breathing or heart rate, dizziness, diarrhea, and weakness. In rare cases, anaphylaxis can cause you to collapse unconscious and even die.
How do I prevent allergic reactions to onions?
If you think you are allergic to onions, or to the Lily family in general, there are some simple steps you can take to avoid symptoms.
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