Allergy Cabbage Enzyme Assay Blood

Foods rich in histamine, including pickled cabbage, may cause allergy-like symptoms, such as flushing and skin itching. Avoid in patients who are allergic to cabbage, mustard, peach, or mugwort pollen, due to the potential for allergic reactions or cross-reactions. Allergy symptoms appear within minutes to a few hours of ingesting cabbage. The release of histamine into the bloodstream results in swelling, tingling and itching of the mouth, tongue, lips and face. Swelling, redness and inflammation of the skin is commonly observed and can lead to a skin rash and lesions. An allergic reaction to cabbage is rare, however, serious reactions are possible. Within a few minutes to an hour of ingesting cabbage, the immune system begins producing IgE antibodies that target the proteins present in cabbage.The symptoms are typically mild, however, anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction may occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience breathing difficulties after eating cabbage. Chitinase is a protein enzyme that has been extracted from the stems and roots of cabbage, and shown to trigger an allergic reaction. A lipid transfer protein known as "Bra o 3" has also been characterized as a cabbage allergen. The immune system identifies this proteins as foreign and dangerous, and begins the production of IgE producing antibodies. These antibodies activate and bind to proinflammatory immune cells known as mast cells. The signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to cabbage is due to the release of histamine and other chemical mediators from mast cells. In rare cases, an individual may develop anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that causes heart palpitations, nausea, light headedness, and unconsciousness if left untreated. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience breathing difficulties. If you know you are allergic to cabbage, the best way to avoid an allergic reaction is strict avoidance of raw or cooked cabbage. Salads, coleslaw and sauerkraut also contain cabbage, and should be avoided.