7 Food Allergies You Didn't Know About

Why A Woman Suffered An Allergic Reaction From Oral Sex

Augmentin, which includes amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, is a commonly used penicillin antibiotic.... [+] (Photo by: Godong/UIG via Getty Images)

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Could this be a seminal case? The recent issue of BMJ Case Reports included a story that may someday change warnings about antibiotics and semen.

Here's what happened. Nazaret Gómez Caballero, Susana Almenara, Antonia Tévar Terol, and José Francisco Horga de la Parte from the Hospital General Universitari d'Alacant in Alicante, Spain described the unusual case of a 31-year-old woman. She had shown up at their hospital's emergency department, suffering from hives, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and profuse vomiting. The doctors subsequently diagnosed her as having a significant allergic reaction, otherwise known as moderate anaphylaxis. Indeed, giving her typical treatments for anaphylaxis, including epinephrine, methylprednisolone and nebulised salbutamol, eventually calmed her symptoms down.

So far, nothing in this case may sound out of the ordinary. After all, allergic reactions and anaphylaxis are certainly not rare things to see in an emergency department. Ah, but what was unusual was the timing and possible cause of the allergic reaction. Her symptoms had appeared soon after she had performed oral sex on a 32-year-old male with no barrier protection, that is, no condom and no dental dam.

Could this then have been a SPA? No, not a resort at a mineral spring that offers massages and steam baths but a seminal plasma allergy (SPA). A SPA, otherwise known as human seminal plasma hypersensitivity (HSP), is essentially an allergy to particular proteins in semen. A publication in the Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine indicated that up to 40,000 women in the U.S. May have HSP but did not include any estimates for men. Such estimates are, of course, very rough as many cases of HSP may go undiagnosed or be mistaken for other allergies or conditions such as vaginal infections.

However, other clues suggested that this wasn't a case of SPA. The patient had never experienced such a reaction previously when engaging in such activities, although, new allergies can develop at nearly any age. Moreover, there was one other time when she had developed a similar case of hives: as a child after taking amoxicillin, a common antibiotic that's a member of the penicillin class. This had led to her being labeled as allergic to penicillin.

Combine this history then with an ear-y connection. For five days, her sexual partner had been taking a combination of ibuprofen and an antibiotic called Augmentin for an ear infection. Augmentin is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. In fact, he had just taken doses of these medications about four hours before they had had sex and she began having the symptoms.

Yes, you may be a bit distracted, but pay attention to any symptoms that you may be having during... [+] and after sex. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Was it possible then that the Augmentin had made its way into her partner's semen in high enough concentrations to cause an allergic reaction? Studies have shown that certain oral antibiotics can travel in high enough doses to the prostate gland, which does contribute to semen production. That is the basis for using oral antibiotics like Cipro or Bactrim to treat prostate infections. So, yes, this is what could have happened in the case report.

However, one case report is not the same as a real study. In general, there is a dearth of studies on the concentrations of oral antibiotics that end up appearing in semen. Therefore, it is unclear what your risk of an allergic reaction may be if your partner has indeed been taking penicillin antibiotics and you have a penicillin allergy. In other words, don't draw any premature conclusions about ejaculations and antibiotics.

So, if you have a penicillin allergy, should you ask your potential partner about the medications that he is taking before you have sex? Why not? You probably already have a list of questions that you should be asking such as "do you have any sexually transmitted diseases", "what protection should we use", and "what is your name?" What's one more question, especially if your allergies are severe and potentially life threatening?

After all, open communication before, during, and after sex is important. Make sure that there is bilateral sharing of all information that may affect your health. Don't be ashamed about mentioning any symptoms that you may be having. Don't be afraid to tell your partner that he may be making you feel nauseous, vomit, or have diarrhea. It may not be him per se. If your partner makes you feel uncomfortable in any way about sharing the fact that you are uncomfortable, then maybe the person is not the partner for you.

Is It A Summer Cold Or Allergies? How To Tell The Difference

Pollen drifts innocuously through the air. From dusk until dawn, you just can't seem to stop sneezing. Then one morning you wake up with a sore throat and a cough. Is it that cold your neighbor had last week, or can allergies cause a sore throat?

It can be hard to determine what's what during allergy season, especially as they become longer and more intense each year. We reached out to top MDs and allergists to answer our most pressing questions about seasonal allergies, including symptoms, treatments and why they seem to be getting worse.

Can allergies cause a sore throat or make you cough?

It's a common misconception that a sore throat and cough signal something other than seasonal allergies. But in fact, these symptoms often go hand-in-hand with sniffling.

"Allergies can absolutely cause a sore throat and a cough," says Tracy Clark, MD. "When you're exposed to allergens like pollen, dust or pet dander, your body can produce an immune response. This can lead to inflammation in your nasal passages and throat.The postnasal drip from this inflammation can irritate your throat, resulting in soreness, and the need to clear mucus can cause a cough."

In other words: Developing a sore throat in the peak of allergy season isn't necessarily a red flag. But other symptoms, such as a fever and body aches, indicate that something else is going on.

How to tell if you have allergies or a cold

"Distinguishing between allergy symptoms and illnesses such as a cold, flu or COVID-19 can be tricky, but there are a few key differences to consider," says Dr. Clark. "Allergy symptoms typically include itchy eyes, runny or congested nose and sneezing, but do not usually involve a fever. On the other hand, a cold or flu often presents with a fever, body aches and a general feeling of discomfort."

And of course, losing your sense of taste or smell may point to another culprit: COVID-19. "COVID-19 has a wider range of symptoms, including fever, cough, and loss of taste or smell, which are not typical of allergies," Dr. Clark says. "If you are ever unsure, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations."  (For more cold relief: Garlic and Honey Is the Savory-Sweet Duo That Calms a Sore Throat + Speeds Cold Recovery)

Seasonal allergies are getting worse

If it feels like your allergies are getting worse each year, it's not in your imagination. In fact, scientists have been predicting this scenario for years.

"There are several reasons why allergies appear to be becoming more common and severe," explains Shoshana Ungerleider, MD. "One significant factor is climate change, which is leading to longer growing seasons and higher levels of pollen production."

Allergenic tree species such as hickories and oaks, as well as other allergens like ragweed and grass, thrive off longer, warmer growing seasons and increased carbon dioxide in the air. Even living somewhere with relatively little vegetation, such as a city, doesn't help.

"Living in a city or urban area can make allergies worse," says Dr. Ungerleider. "Urban environments often have higher levels of pollution, such as car exhaust and industrial emissions, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms."

But there's an additional reason for worsening allergies, beyond global climate trends: Botanical sexism.

What is botanical sexism?

Walk around a city in the height of summer and you're likely to see oaks, maples, cherry trees and plum trees, all chock-full of lush green foliage. One thing you won't see? Fruit. That's because only female trees can produce fruit – and the trees in urban areas are almost always male.

"Urban areas tend to plant more male trees because they don't produce fruit or seeds, and therefore make less of a mess," explains Dr. Clark. "However, male trees release pollen, contributing to higher allergen levels in the air."

That's right: The preference given to male plants over female plants is a major reason for your relentless sneezing and sniffling each fall. The high concentration of pollen drifting through the air, mixed with air pollution and longer allergy seasons, makes for a perfect storm for allergy sufferers.

But there's no need to suffer much longer. There are many treatment options for seasonal allergies, from nasal sprays and other over-the-counter meds to lifestyle changes.

3 ways to ease allergies that cause a sore throat

Dealing with allergies every year (or even multiple times per year!) is frustrating. And the longer you go without treatment, the more overwhelming symptoms become.

"When you inhale an allergen, your immune system has an immediate reaction, including histamine release that can lead to symptoms like congestion, runny nose, and sneezing," says Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH. "But if you have ongoing exposure to that allergen, the immune system continues to react, which leads to inflammation and potentially worsening symptoms."

It's clear that treating your symptoms as quickly and early as possible is essential for making it through allergy season. But which treatment is the best at treating allergies — the root cause of your sore throat?

1. Over-the-counter treatments

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"Nasal steroids like fluticasone propionate (Flonase) are often the first choice among experts for treating and preventing allergies," explains Dr. Pinto-Garcia. "Antihistamine nasal sprays are another excellent option, and are just as effective as nasal steroids."

Nasal steroids and sprays are super effective at cutting inflammation and clearing out your sinuses, but they typically need at least a few days to begin working. If you're in need of a quicker fix, consider opting for something like Zyrtec or Claritin instead.

"Oral antihistamines can also be helpful," says Dr. Pinto-Garcia. "While they may be slightly less effective than nasal steroids, they have the benefit of working much quicker."

2. Immunotherapy

If over-the-counter options don't help, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots. "For those with severe allergies, seeing a specialist for allergy shots may offer long-term relief," says Dr. Clark.

Immunotherapy involves repeated exposure to incremental amounts of allergen. Over time, your body learns to stop treating the allergen like an invader, and has a much more subdued reaction.

3. Lifestyle changes

And finally, you can try the most effective option of all: Avoiding allergens in the first place.

"The best thing you can do is try to avoid the allergen altogether," Dr. Pinto-Garcia confirms. "If pollen is a trigger for you, check the pollen count before opting to work in the garden or go for a run outside. If going outside is unavoidable, wearing a hat, face mask and wrap-around sunglasses can help reduce the amount of pollen that sticks to your hair and gets into your mouth, nose and eyes."

Showering immediately after being outside, closing your windows, and investing in a quality air purifier can also all help reduce the pollen count inside your home and make you much less miserable. Allergies or not, you deserve to be comfortable – and a little extra effort can go a long way towards letting you breathe clearly again.

For more allergy relief:

These Teas Ease Allergies Naturally + the Timing Trick That Boosts the Benefit

Is Your Cold Actually Allergies? MD Reveals the #1 Symptom That's a Dead Giveaway

Feel Tired and Blue — And Don't Know Why? Doctors Say Your Allergies May Be to Blame

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

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Am I Allergic To Onions?

While having an onion allergy is rare, it's more common to have an onion sensitivity caused by your body's inability to digest and process onions. Signs of an onion sensitivity may include hives, cramping, gas, or swelling around the mouth.

Onions are a popular addition to a wide range of cooked dishes and prepared cold recipes. If you're allergic to onions or have a food sensitivity to them, you may find that they're hard to avoid.

Some people have reactions from eating, touching, or smelling raw onions. Others experience symptoms from both raw and cooked onions.

Onions are part of the plant genus allium, along with garlic, shallots, and chives. People who are allergic or sensitive to onions are often allergic or sensitive to other alliums as well. Ornamental alliums (inedible plants) might also trigger a reaction in some people.

Keep reading to learn more about onion allergies, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatments. We'll also share a list of onion alternatives that you can use.

Having a true onion allergy is rare. If you're allergic to onions, your immune system will identify onions, and possibly other alliums, as dangerous substances.

Your body then takes protective measures, including the release of chemicals like histamine. These chemicals can cause symptoms ranging from uncomfortable to potentially life-threatening.

Having an onion sensitivity (or intolerance) is a more common occurrence. Food intolerances (nonallergic food hypersensitivity) are caused by an inability to process and digest specific foods, not by an immune system reaction.

Food intolerances typically cause less severe reactions than food allergies. If you have an onion intolerance, your immune system will not be triggered, but you may experience some of the same symptoms you would if you were allergic.

For this reason, it can often be hard to tell the difference between the two conditions.

If you're allergic to onions, you may experience one or more internal or external symptoms. These can range from mild to severe. Symptoms can also vary in terms of onset.

Some people experience immediate symptoms upon eating, touching, or smelling onions. Others may not have any symptoms for several hours, or longer.

Symptoms of onion allergy include:

hives or a rash anywhere on the body

tingling or itching in the mouth

swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat

nasal congestion

difficulty breathing

nausea and vomiting

diarrhea

stomach pain

cramping

gas

dizziness or lightheadedness

anaphylaxis, although this is rare

Mild symptoms often resolve once the onion is no longer in your system. They also typically respond well to at-home treatments.

If you have severe reactions, such as vomiting or gastric distress that doesn't stop, dizziness, or trouble breathing, seek immediate medical help.

In some instances, you may continue to experience symptoms of an onion allergy for days after your exposure has passed. This situation might also require a doctor's care.

Anaphylactic reaction

While rare, an anaphylactic reaction to onion is possible in someone who is severely allergic. This is more likely to occur if the onion is raw, or lightly cooked.

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate care. Its symptoms include:

dizziness

confusion

sweating

trouble breathing

swelling in the mouth and throat

loss of consciousness

If you're allergic to onions, you might also be allergic to foods, plants, and substances that contain similar kinds of proteins. This is known as cross-reactivity.

Foods in this category include edible alliums, such as garlic, chives, scallions, and shallots. It may also include mugwort, which is sometimes used as a tea and in Asian cuisine.

Avoiding edible alliums may be challenging, but it's not impossible. Make sure to read labels, especially on prepared, processed, and packaged foods. Alliums are sometimes referred to as seasonings on labels.

When in doubt, call the manufacturer prior to eating, or avoid foods with unclear labels. Foods to avoid include:

salad bar or deli counter salads, including egg salad, tuna salad, and chef salad

deli meats

salsas, such as pico de gallo

frozen entries

frozen or premade pizza crust

crackers

premade soups and sauces

flavoring packets

chicken, meat, bone, or vegetable broth

flavored cheeses

The allium genus belongs to the Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis) plant family. People with onion allergies may also be allergic or sensitive to flowering amaryllis plants, which include ornamental alliums, and many varieties of lilies.

Amaryllis plants often grow from bulbs. There are hundreds of flowering plants in this category. Plants you may be allergic to include:

Purple Sensation

Globemaster allium

Gladiator allium

Corkscrew allium

Wild onions

Wild chives

Rock onion

Easter lily

Madonna lily

Tiger lily

Orange lily

Daffodils

Tulips

Agapanthus

Iris

Alstroemeria

The most effective type of treatment depends upon the severity of your allergic reaction. Treatments for onion allergy include:

Antihistamines. Antihistamines are available as over-the-counter oral or sprayed medications. These medications block histamine, which reduces or eliminates minor allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, and nasal congestion.

Hydrocortisone cream. Topical use of this over-the-counter medication can reduce itching and inflammation.

Topical antihistamine gel such as Benadryl gel or 2% diphenhydramine HCI topical analgesic.

Epinephrine (EpiPen, EPIsnap, Adyphren). This prescription medication is an auto-injector sold under several brand names. It's used to treat severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis.

Albuterol sulfate inhaler (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin). This prescription bronchodilator is used to increase the flow of air through the bronchial tubes.

If you're allergic to onions, avoiding them is the best way to avoid allergy symptoms. Cooking onions reduces the compounds that cause allergic reactions in some people, so eating only cooked onions may help.

Make sure to also avoid edible alliums and ornamental plants that can set off your symptoms. Taking a daily allergy medication, such as an antihistamine, may help — especially during times of the year when mugwort pollen is high.

If you accidentally ingest or come into contact with onion, take an antihistamine or other type of allergy medication immediately.

In cooking, the best alternatives to onions are often other alliums, although you may need to avoid these, too. If so, get adventurous and try these substitutes:

Asafetida. This root vegetable comes from a giant fennel plant, and was originally grown in Iran and Afghanistan. It's also known as hing, and is a low FODMAP food. You can find it in specialty grocery stores, typically in powder form, or online. Asafetida has an oniony-garlicky taste, and is savory and pungent. When cooked, it mellows in flavor. It's also very potent. Use a tiny pinch to start, and slowly increase the amount, based on the intensity of flavor you want.

Fennel. This licorice-scented bulb becomes savory and lush in taste when cooked. It's slightly oniony in flavor, and also has a buttery texture. You can use it the way you would use scallions, in similar amounts, in cooked recipes. Fresh fennel can be found in grocery stores, and you can buy dried fennel seeds and powder online.

Radish. Try using radishes in cold dishes, instead of raw onion, in similar amounts. Radishes have a sharp flavor and pleasingly juicy crunch.

Celery. Its taste may not be similar to onions, but its crunch can be satisfying when used as a substitute in tuna, egg, or chicken salad. Chop in the same amount of celery that you would of onion when preparing these foods. You can also use cooked celery in soups and stews.

Low FODMAP foods and spices. There are several brands designed specifically for people who wish to avoid onion and garlic.

A doctor can help you determine if you have an onion allergy, onion sensitivity, or other condition. They'll take a physical exam, and ask you questions about your symptoms, food intake, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle. It may help to keep a food diary and bring it with you to your appointment.

Your doctor may recommend that you try an elimination diet over the course of five to six weeks, and report back your results. During an elimination diet, you remove every type of food you might be allergic to, and put them back, one by one, to see which causes a reaction.

There are several diagnostic tests for food allergies and sensitivities. Let your doctor know if you're taking antidepressants, antihistamines, or heartburn medication, as these may affect test results.

Tests you may be given include:

Skin prick test. This test is done in a doctor's office. You'll be given tiny amounts of potential allergens, injected just under the skin. If you are allergic to any of them, a hive or other type of reaction will occur.

Specific IgE blood test. This blood test measures the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies you have in your system. Your blood sample is analyzed in a laboratory to determine which allergens you're sensitive to.

Having a true onion allergy is rare. Having a food sensitivity to onions is more common. Both conditions share certain symptoms, such as gastric distress.

People allergic to onions may also be allergic to garlic and other alliums, such as chives. If you're allergic to onions, you may also be allergic to certain flowering plants, such as lilies.

Onion allergies vary in intensity from mild to severe. You can manage the condition by learning what vegetables or plants trigger your allergy, and carefully avoiding them.

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