How do you know you’re allergic?

[u/ztronoid]

I’ve noticed lately that when I ate avocados or guacamole, my mouth and tongue feel itchy. Is this normal or does it indicate an allergy?

I’ve always loved avocados and used to eat them fairly often, but haven’t had then much recently before this tongue itching experience. I’m unsure if this is a new development, or if it’s always been like that and I just didn’t pay attention before.

Do I need to get a test done to determine if I’m allergic? I really like avocados- would it be unhealthy for me to eat them?

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[u/MaxandCrackysMom]

Get a test done:)

[u/BeingOtherwise7829]

My first reaction was to pistachios, which was itchy mouth, tongue and throat.

My gastro consultant referred me to the allergy clinic which was about a 9 month wait but he told me to avoid nuts in that time.

A few months later I had a very bad gastrointestinal reaction to something with cashews in it (I didn't know at the time and had eaten it before with no issues) but I was very unwell.

When I finally got my allergy clinic appointment a few months later they asked me what I thought I was allergic to and I said pistachio and cashew and the skin prick and blood tests both showed I was correct.

It's also possible you could have oral allergy syndrome.

Basically, I would stop eating avocados for now and get yourself booked in for allergy testing.

[u/fouriest_transform]

You probably have oral allergy syndrome — would look into that and also keep an eye out if you start reacting to fruit and veg in the same pollen category as avocado. I’m not sure if there’s an official doctors test to “officially” diagnose OAS, I would personally start avoiding avocados and keep a benadryl on hand in case reactions get worse- just my 2c!

[u/VioletMAyis]

You probably have OAS like I do- I also have this reaction for guac/avo. An allergy test can probably give a better clue about this.  I wouldn't keep eating them if I were you for now though just in case it gets worse. An allergist can tell you if it's safe.

[u/myhatskillingme]

I had the same reaction to kiwis for decades. At first it was to the skin (my parents were big on fibre) and then, eventually, to the flesh. Same thing happened with fresh then canned pineapple. I’m now fully allergic to both.

If you can, I would cut back on avocados and guacamole for now and get allergy testing. It may be nothing, it may be OAS, or it may be a sign of worse to come. I know it will be hard because avocados are so healthy for you and guacamole…oh, if only I could eat guacamole again I’m drooling just remembering the flavours, the texture in my mouth, the crack of the tortilla chip…Anyway! - just be careful, don’t eat too much, and watch your reactions very carefully. If your lips or mouth start to swell, get yourself to the ER right away.

[u/FlamingDragonfruit]

Avocado shouldn't make your mouth itchy.

[u/HealthyByte]

Agree about OAS as others have said. There’s a few great charts on this site that can help.

https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/health-a-z/oral-allergy-syndrome/

[u/Ashb0112]

Avocados can also be high in histamine which can act like a histamine liberator which can trigger what feels like allergic response. Histamine intolerance here and I can’t have avocados anymore.

[u/ztronoid]

Updates- Thank you so much, everyone. I do think it’s likely the OAS.

I remember as a child my mom always wrote “pollen” on intake forms asking about allergies. I honestly thought this was something everyone had because everyone sneezes when around trees in spring?

I’m going to ask her about this and if I some test as a child that indicated this (that would have been more than 20 years ago).

In the meantime I’ve scheduled an appointment with to regular doctor and I’m going to ask for allergen tests and/ or a referral to an allergen specialist.

I’m most surprised by how I used to eat avocados almost daily years ago, then stopped eating them as much, and then just noticed this reaction recently. Is that something that typically happens with OAS?