Tomato sauce is a widely used base for stews, soups, pizza, pasta and other dishes. The individual might be allergic to any form of food, but most food allergies involve an immune response to the proteins in soy, milk, fish, nuts, wheat, shellfish and eggs.
An allergic reaction to tomato is generally mild but certain factors can worsen the reaction which leads to severe and even dangerous symptoms. If an individual is suspected with an allergy to tomato sauce, a doctor should be consulted.
What are the signs?
An allergic reaction to vegetables and fruits typically involve minor, mouth-related symptoms such as hives around the mouth and itchiness. Other signs linked with food allergies include swollen tongue, lips, face or throat along with nausea, abdominal cramps, lightheadedness and even anaphylaxis.
The indications of anaphylaxis generally include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Tightness of the airway
- Drop in the blood pressure
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Shock
- Death
If an individual is suspected with this severe reaction, seek prompt medical care. Remember that the symptoms typically arise less than an hour after consumption. Drinking alcohol or exercising during or after eating might worsen the reaction.
What is pollen-food allergy syndrome?
Many individuals with hay fever can also end up with allergic reactions to plant-based foods. This severe reaction might involve swelling of the throat or even anaphylaxis. Take note that this is a cross-reactivity where proteins are closely related to trigger a reaction.
Management of reactions to tomato sauce
If an individual is suspected with a food allergy, a doctor should be seen to determine the cause and the ideal treatment. In case the individual is allergic to tomato sauce, avoidance is usually recommended.
Aside from avoiding fresh tomato products, it is vital to carefully read the ingredient labels to ensure that the offending food is not listed.
The doctor will also advise the individual to be careful on exposure to other associated allergens including ragweed, peanuts, latex and grass pollen.
For minor reactions, the doctor might suggest an over-the-counter antihistamine or ointment. If the individual has a history of severe reactions, an injectable epinephrine might be prescribed by the doctor to be used for anaphylaxis.