Mango Allergy

Mango allergy is not very common, but it can cause mild to severe symptoms, depending on the individual's sensitivity and the amount of mango consumed. Someone may experience a reaction after touching the peel but may not experience a reaction when eating the flesh of the fruit.

The symptoms of mango allergy can fall into two categories, an immediate-type also called immunoglobulin-mediated (IgE-mediated) allergy — may appear within 1 hour of exposure to the mango, and a delayed-type reaction, which can occur hours or days after exposure.

The Immediate-type of Mango Allergy

Symptoms usually begin within 1 hour of eating mango and include swelling, hives, flushed skin, and wheezing. Immediate-type allergy can be a classic-type allergy to mango with a risk of anaphylaxis or oral allergy syndrome, which occurs due to cross-reactivity between mango and pollen. This is also known as pollen food allergy syndrome.

Anaphylaxis

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may come on suddenly and can progress rapidly. In extremely rare cases, a person with mango allergy may experience an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis is life threatening, and a person should seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include swelling of throat and tongue, difficulty breathing or breathing very fast, difficulty swallowing, tightness in throat or a hoarse voice, wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing, feeling tired or confused, feeling faint, dizzy or fainting, skin that feels cold to the touch, diarrhea, facial edema, and severe stomach pain.

Delayed-type Allergy

With a delayed-type allergy reaction, having skin contact with certain proteins in mango can cause an itchy rash to appear hours to days after exposure. Instead of looking like hives, the skin may appear flushed, dry and flaky, blistered, and irritated. This type of reaction is similar to allergic contact dermatitis.

Mango Allergy and Oral Allergy Syndrome

Burning lips after eating mangoes is typically a result of a condition known as oral allergy syndrome. Oral allergy syndrome is usually an uncomplicated form of allergy that occurs almost immediately after eating a piece of fresh fruit and usually resolves without treatment within minutes.

OAS occurs as a result of similarities in the proteins found in mango with those found in pollen (usually birch pollen or mugwort pollen). These proteins are considered foreign antigens to the body. So, when exposed, very quickly your body will react to fight these proteins. This causes the symptoms of an allergy.

OAS is not usually considered a serious condition because saliva in a person's mouth can usually break down allergens fairly quickly. Therefore, any reaction is usually limited to the mouth and/or lips. However, because the risk of a more serious reaction is relatively small, people with a mango allergy should avoid all live forms of the fruit. Cooked fruit rarely causes problems.

Mango Allergy in Babies

Mango mouth symptoms are similar in babies and adults. Allergic reactions can progress from uncomfortable to life-threatening rapidly. And for some people, just trace amounts of an allergen can trigger a reaction.

Food allergy is more common in babies than it is in adults. It is also more likely to become severe. One reason for this is that babies have more sensitive skin than adults, so they are more likely to develop contact dermatitis after touching something they are sensitive to. Any signs of an allergic reaction in a baby should be treated seriously.

Cross-reactivity

Cross-reactivity occurs when the body cannot recognize the difference between the same allergen contained in different types of plants. Mango is part of the Anacardiaceae plant family. A person with a mango allergy may also be allergic to plants in this family, such as poison oak, poison sumac, and poison ivy.

People with mango allergies may also be allergic to pears, peaches, anise, cumin, fennel, cashews, papaya, apples, pistachios, celery, and carrots.

Risk Groups

Mango allergy can be particularly risky for individuals with a sensitivity to urushiol, the oily compound also found in poison ivy. When these individuals come into contact with mango skin, they can develop dermatitis, a type of skin irritation.

Furthermore, those with a latex allergy might have a higher likelihood of mango allergy due to cross-reactivity. They could experience symptoms like itching, swelling, or even anaphylaxis, a severe life-threatening reaction.

It's crucial for these at-risk populations to handle mangos with care or avoid them altogether. If you suspect a mango allergy, consult an allergist for testing and personalized advice.

Tips for Avoiding Mango Allergies

If you're sensitive to mangoes, it's crucial to understand that the allergen is mostly found in the skin and sap. To avoid an allergic reaction, steer clear of handling or consuming the fruit. When shopping, check ingredient labels for mango or mango-derived products.

Cross-reactivity can occur if you're allergic to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, as they share a similar allergen with mango skin. Therefore, you should avoid contact with these plants as well.

Always inform restaurant staff about your allergy to ensure meals are free from mango contamination. In the kitchen, use separate utensils and cutting boards for mangoes if other household members consume the fruit.

If accidental exposure happens, antihistamines may alleviate mild symptoms, but seek immediate medical attention for severe reactions.

Remember, vigilance and communication are key to managing a mango allergy effectively.

Processing methods like cooking or canning can alter mango allergens, reducing their allergenicity. However, this doesn't apply to all individuals with mango allergy. Some may still react to processed mangoes, while others may tolerate them better than fresh mangoes.