Mustard allergy is a food allergy to mustard seeds, which are used as a spice and condiment. It can cause a range of reactions, from mild to severe.
Symptoms of a Mustard Allergy:
Mustard allergy symptoms can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. They can appear within minutes or up to a few hours after consuming mustard. Some common symptoms include:
- Skin: Hives, itching, rash, eczema, swelling (especially of the face, lips, or tongue)
- Digestive System: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps
- Respiratory System: Wheezing, coughing, runny nose, difficulty breathing
- Oral Allergy Syndrome: Itching or tingling in the mouth, lips, or tongue
- Anaphylaxis: In severe cases, mustard allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
Types of Mustard:
Mustard allergy can be triggered by different types of mustard seeds, including yellow, brown, and black mustard. Prepared mustards, such as Dijon mustard, also contain mustard seeds.
Management:
The best way to manage a mustard allergy is strict avoidance. This means avoiding all foods and products that contain mustard. Always read labels carefully, as mustard can be a hidden ingredient in many processed foods.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
If you suspect you have a mustard allergy, it's essential to see an allergist for proper diagnosis. They may perform tests like skin prick tests or blood tests to confirm the allergy. In case of an allergic reaction, especially anaphylaxis, epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen) are used for emergency treatment.