Chocolate is found in many popular desserts and even in some foods. Though many people view chocolate as a sweet treat, some have a sensitivity or allergy to chocolate or an ingredient in chocolate-based food. Chocolate Allergy occurs when the immune system identifies the proteins in a particular food as harmful to the body.
For most people, chocolate is a delicious treat that can bring relaxation and relief at the end of the day. It can also trigger pleasurable feelings that can make you feel happy, comforted. However, for some people, chocolate can be a cause of a serious allergy. If you have a chocolate allergy, or you suspect that you might have one, then read on to learn more about your condition.
Triggers
Chocolate contains a combination of ingredients. The main component is generally a cocoa powder, and this is a processed version of the cacao bean.
Many kinds of chocolate can also be made out of milk products.
For men and women that are allergic to chocolate, it can be hard to work out just what is causing the response due to the several ingredients. There are numerous chances. There are different types of chocolate allergy symptoms that may get worse with time if not treated properly. Let’s talk about them now.
Symptoms of Chocolate Allergy
If you experience the following symptoms after eating chocolate, contact one of the allergist specialists. These symptoms are part of a severe allergic reaction called ‘anaphylaxis’. This condition can be life-threatening and cause create severe chocolate allergy symptoms right away if you don’t treat it right away. Allergies that may lead to anaphylaxis are diagnosed by high levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
The symptoms of Chocolate allergy are as follows. They are usually a result of a type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening if not treated right away.
- Hives
- Shortness of breath
- stomach cramps
- Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
- vomiting
- wheezing
- heartburn
- migraines
- cough
- swelling
- nausea
- respiratory system allergy
- cardiovascular symptoms
- skin reactions
- drop in blood pressure
- Effects in the digestive system
- Acne
- headaches
- bloating
If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms of Chocolate allergy please see a doctor immediately before it turns into a worse skin reaction.
Treatment of Chocolate Allergy
If you’re sensitive or allergic to chocolate or ingredients in chocolate products like nuts or milk, know what’s in your food. At restaurants, ask to have your meals and desserts prepared without chocolate. If you notice any chocolate allergy symptoms immediately after eating your favorite chocolate or energy bar, you should consult an allergist. He will run a check on your blood and diet to assess when the allergy is caused by chocolate or something else.
Treatment for allergies begins with avoidance. If you’re allergic to chocolate, refrain from eating chocolate and its byproducts. Your allergist will also prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector that you should carry with you.
– For less severe allergies to chocolate, such as itching and hives, try over-the-counter treatment options. Cortisone creams can help with inflammation of the skin.
– Anyone certain they are allergic to cacao or cocoa in chocolate should avoid candy bars, which contain chocolate, as well as drinks such as milkshakes or hot cocoa.
– Use antihistamines to treat itching, watery eyes, sneezing, and skin irritations caused by a chocolate allergy. Antihistamines can be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by your doctor.
– For breathing problems and runny nose: pour 2 to 3 drops of eucalyptus oil in boiling water and inhale the vapors. It helps to clear the respiratory tract and nasal passage and reduces sneezing.
– Runny nose and burning eyes can be treated with the herb yarrow.
– For reducing headaches, eat sugar candy with coconut in equal amounts. Headache can be relieved with a massage of rosemary water.
– A paste prepared from sandalwood and rose water when applied to the allergic skin rash will decrease itching and redness.
Foods to avoid if you have a Chocolate Allergy
If you are one of those many people who see allergies to chocolate symptoms such as rashes on the skin, redness, and hives, please choose your food carefully.Many people who are diagnosed with chocolate intolerance or chocolate sensitivity are recommended to avoid the following foods:
- Cocoa
- Caffeine
- Chocolate bars
- Chocolate cakes
- Chocolate shakes
- Chocolate brownies
- Chocolate chip cookies
How to treat Chocolate Allergy by home remedies
- Take cool showers or apply cool compresses.
- Wear light clothing that doesn’t irritate the skin.
- Take it easy. Keep the activity level low.
- To relieve the itching, apply calamine lotion or take over-the-counter antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine maleate.
- Try to stay calm.
- If the person is wheezing or having difficulty breathing, have them use an inhaled bronchodilator.
- In a small cup, add a few drops of water to baking soda and stir until you get a paste. Spread the paste on the hives to help stop irritation and relieve the itching.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of any kind of vinegar with 1 tablespoon of lukewarm water and apply the mixture to your hives with a cotton ball or tissue to soothe the itching.
- To avoid hives, you need to figure out what causes them. If you don’t know, start keeping a daily diary. The most probable suspects are things that you eat, drink, or swallow food, drink, supplements, and medications.
- If the person is feeling lightheaded or faint, have them lie down and raise their legs higher than their head to help blood flow to the brain.
Supplements that treats chocolate allergy:
– Some supplements serve as food allergies treatments, such as MSM, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and vitamin B5.
In case you notice minor allergies to chocolate symptoms after eating chocolate sweets, you can treat the conditions with organic oils.- Some essential oils also work as food allergy remedies, including peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils, which have cooling effects.
Medical treatment for Chocolate Allergy:
Noticing some signs and symptoms of Chocolate allergy, below are some of the best medical treatment available for the condition.
– In a severe reaction, the priority is to protect the airway (breathing) and blood pressure.
– Oxygen may be given through a tube into the nose or by face mask.
– In rare cases, a simple surgery is performed to open an airway.
– Blood pressure will be checked frequently.
– An IV line may be started.
Alternative to Chocolate Allergy:
Sometimes people think they’re allergic to chocolate, but they have an allergy or intolerance to another ingredient in the chocolate – milk products, nuts, gluten, corn syrup, caffeine, etc. So it is better to avoid such kinds of foods that are allergic and use the alternative of them.
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