According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 50 million Americans suffer an allergy.

 

Allergies of any kind have similar mechanisms. It occurs when the immune system is triggered by environmental factors (allergen) it should avoid such as dust, pollen, animal dander or food and creates cells that fight against them. Any allergen can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe to life-threatening (anaphylaxis).

 

Food allergy accounts for an estimated 4 to 6 percent in children and 4 percent are from adults. Though it is common among babies and children, it can develop at any age. Allergic symptoms occur minutes to hours after ingesting or contact with food which can lead to nausea, vomiting, itching, swelling, congestion, difficulty breathing, or rash.

 

A not so common type of allergy still experienced by some people is Vinegar Allergy. It occurs when there’s too much vinegar in the body or is out of control and people with this kind of sensitivity are always on the lookout for food and drinks that contain vinegar.

 

Diagnosing vinegar allergy is difficult since it has the same symptoms and reactions as other allergies but some patients usually realize the cause of their allergies upon contact. However, some reactions can be delayed even after several hours. A doctor or an allergist must be consulted so proper testing can be done. Skin prick test and blood test can help measure the response to allergen and the level of antibodies in the blood.

 

There has been no known cure for allergy, only control of symptoms and reaction, although the most important thing to do is to identify and remove or avoid the cause.  Treatment of an allergic attack can be through corticosteroids and antihistamine drugs. In severe cases, adrenaline shots may be required although seeking medical attention is still the best thing to do.

 

Certain foods contain high levels of vinegar such as tomato paste, soy sauce, beer, wine, fruit and bread so you must always check food ingredients and labels. Preparing your own meal might be tasking but will definitely help you avoid your allergens. When dining out, always inform the cook and the waiter not to add vinegar to your dish or ask assistance to help you identify food and drinks containing such additive.

 

Home remedies are available in case of an allergic reaction but seeking your doctor’s advice is still the best way to manage your symptoms. Vinegar allergy or any kind of allergy in general can only be controlled with medications, avoidance of known sources, and sometimes the addition of allergy shots or other forms of immunotherapy. These measures help restore a good quality life.

 

Disclaimer:

 

This material is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be relied as  medical advice. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication or supplements.