Kiwi allergies can produce mild symptoms at first, but they can become more severe over time. For this reason, it is very important not to ignore any reaction you might have after eating a kiwi.
This article describes different types of kiwi allergies, along with their treatments. It also explains when you should seek medical care.
Types of Kiwi Allergies
There are two types of allergic reactions to kiwis:
A standard food allergy can involve abdominal symptoms, rash, and breathing problems. Oral allergy syndrome (OAS), also called pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS), is a condition where the body mistakes certain foods for pollen. It produces a mild allergic reaction.
Children are more likely than adults to experience severe symptoms. A food allergy can last a lifetime, but some people—especially kids—outgrow them.
Kiwi Allergy Triggers and Cross-Reactions
Researchers have found 13 different allergens in kiwi. These are otherwise harmless substances your body can mistake as dangerous, prompting an allergic response.
Vitamin C Vitamin A Vitamin E Potassium Omega-3 fatty acid Fiber Antioxidants
Because kiwi has so many allergens, having a kiwi allergy may mean you’re allergic to other things, too. This is called a cross-reaction.
Foods and other plant parts that cross-react with kiwi allergens include:
AppleAvocadoBananaBirch pollenGrass pollenHazelnuts and other tree nutsLatexMelonPeanutsPoppy seedsPotatoesRagweedSesame seedsWheat
Studies show that there are more kiwi allergies among people who live in geographic regions with lots of birch pollen.
Latex is a natural product. It’s produced by the rubber tree and similar plants. It is used in products such as surgical gloves and condoms. Latex and kiwi share at least two allergens.
Kiwi Allergy Symptoms
Your symptoms depend on the type of kiwi allergy you have.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
If your kiwi sensitivity is classified as OAS, symptoms are usually mild. They are limited to the mouth and throat.
OAS symptoms can include:
Itching or tingling in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throatSwelling in the mouth and throatSymptoms that only last for a few minutes
Your OAS symptoms may be at their worst when pollen counts are high. You may notice an increase in food-related symptoms when other allergens are peaking.
True Kiwi Food Allergy
For those with a true kiwi allergy, the symptoms can be much more severe.
They may include:
Abdominal pains Trouble breathing/anaphylaxis (more common than in OAS) Eczema, a skin condition that involves raised, itchy patches Hives Rashes Vomiting
Kiwi allergies that start off mild can become worse if you continue to eat the fruit. You might have some mild itching around your mouth when you first try kiwi, but have more significant symptoms if you eat the fruit again.
For most people, an allergic reaction happens right away. In fact, 80-90% of true food allergies occur within 20-30 minutes.
Treatments for Kiwi Allergy
The best way to manage either OAS or a true kiwi allergy is to avoid kiwi and anything that you cross-react to.
Kiwi is used in a lot of products, so it’s important to check ingredient labels. In restaurants, tell your server about your food allergies as well.
Sometimes cooking or heating the food can lessen or destroy the chemicals that trigger OAS symptoms. You may want to microwave kiwi for a few seconds to see if you can tolerate it better that way.
Emergency Treatment
Usually, OAS doesn’t need treatment. It clears up quickly on its own.
If you have a true kiwi allergy, you may need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen) to stave off anaphylaxis. If you don’t have yours handy, get prompt medical attention.
Treating Mild Reactions
For mild reactions, antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) may help. Doctors don’t typically recommend taking an antihistamine regularly to prevent symptoms of kiwi allergy. But you can take one once you realize you’ve eaten a problematic food.
If you take a daily antihistamine to control seasonal or environmental allergies, it may also lessen your food allergy symptoms.
Foods That Might Contain Kiwi
Reading labels and ingredient lists is the best way to keep from eating kiwi by accident.
You may find kiwi in:
Tropical or fruit smoothiesFrozen fruit blendsFruit saladsSorbets and fruit-flavored frozen desserts
Some meat producers also use kiwi as a tenderizer or as an additive in pâté products. Some people with kiwi allergy are also sensitive to papain, a papaya enzyme used to tenderize meats.
When to See a Doctor
If you have allergy symptoms after eating kiwi, see a doctor. An allergy doctor can help you pinpoint exactly what’s causing the reaction so you can avoid triggers and prevent more severe reactions.
A physician can also equip you with an EpiPen if you show signs of a true kiwi allergy.
Summary
Kiwi is a popular and nutritious fruit, but it causes allergic reactions in many people. On the mild end of the spectrum, kiwi can cause OAS with tingling, itching, or swelling of the mouth and throat. On the severe end, a true kiwi allergy can bring on breathing problems, gastric issues, loss of consciousness, and even death.
Those symptoms include:
Skin changes like hives or itchingA drop in blood pressureSwelling of your tongue, mouth, or throatWheezing or gasping for breathNausea, diarrhea, or vomitingFeeling dizzy or fainting
People allergic to kiwi often react to other fruits, vegetables, and pollens. If you notice allergy symptoms after you eat or touch kiwi, see a healthcare professional for testing. You may need to stay away from kiwi and plants that cross-react. You may also need medications, including an EpiPen, to treat a reaction.
