Sesame seeds are a common ingredient found in everything from baked goods to cereals. Sadly, for the many North Texas children and adults with a sesame allergy, these foods can trigger severe symptoms. To start treating your allergy, recognizing these sesame allergy symptoms is an important first step. But what are the signs you should be aware of?
The Common Sesame Allergy Symptoms
If you experience any of the following sesame allergy symptoms, it’s essential to speak to an allergist for help with a treatment plan. While symptoms might be mild to moderate, allergic reactions are unpredictable and could become more severe in the future.
Skin Hives
Skin reactions are among the most common symptoms associated with sesame allergies. A case of hives – recognized by red, raised patches or bumps of varying sizes – is particularly likely to occur. You could also experience eczema symptoms of dry, cracked and inflamed skin. These symptoms will often be temporary, yet it’s possible for eczema flare-ups to last for days or weeks.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Shortly after eating a food containing sesame, you may suffer from abdominal cramps, vomiting and/or diarrhea, which could signify an allergic reaction. To know if you have a food allergy or food sensitivity, you’ll need to take part in food allergy testing with an allergist.
Breathing Issues
Respiratory issues can vary from nasal congestion and a runny nose to coughing and wheezing. These symptoms can also signify signs of an anaphylactic reaction from the sesame seed proteins.
Itching and Swelling
Itching and tingling in the mouth, lips and throat are common food allergy symptoms that occur in the minutes after eating. If this should occur it is important to get an evaluation with your allergist in order to identify if you are allergic to sesame.
Eye Symptoms
After eating sesame products, you may start to notice redness or feel the need to rub your eyes, which also can indicate early signs of an allergic reaction which will need to be evaluated by your board certified allergist.
Severe Symptoms of a Sesame Allergy
An allergic reaction to sesame can cause anaphylaxis in some children or adults. These symptoms are indeed severe and require immediate medical assistance.
- Severe wheezing and breathing difficulties.
- Significant swelling of the lips, tongue or mouth.
- An increase in heart rate.
- A drop in blood pressure.
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness.
Administering an epinephrine auto-injector is critical when dealing with a severe sesame allergy reaction. After receiving this adrenaline, you’ll need to visit an emergency room as soon as possible for a check-up. If you’ve never been diagnosed with a sesame allergy, see your allergist for testing. You can then receive a comprehensive allergy treatment plan to prevent any further reactions, and reduce the threat of contact with sesame.
Patient-Centered Sesame Allergy Treatment in McKinney & Southlake
TexasAllergyMD provides comprehensive treatment services for sesame allergies. If you experience any of these sesame allergy symptoms, visit us in McKinney/Prosper and Southlake for allergy testing. Call (469) 375-1525 or request an appointment today.
