The most common food allergens include soy, wheat, eggs, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, fish and shellfish. It is important to note that other foods have the potential to trigger allergic reactions. An allergic reaction to maple syrup is considered uncommon but if an individual is suspected with this condition, a doctor should be consulted to undergo proper testing and treatment.
What are the symptoms?
Allergy to maple syrup can trigger symptoms that are strikingly similar to other food allergies. The individual can experience one or all of them while the severity usually depends on the sensitivity level as well as the amount of syrup ingested. The common symptoms include the following:
- Swelling
- Hives
- Wheezing
- Tingling sensation in the mouth
- Difficulty breathing
- Digestive disturbances
- Dizziness
A severe reaction to maple syrup can generate a swollen throat, weak pulse rate, airway constriction as well as loss of consciousness. This reaction requires immediate medical attention to prevent them from getting worse.
Diagnosing allergy to maple syrup
The individual is encouraged to keep a food diary to list down foods eaten and any reactions that might occur shortly after. This is a good way to determine potential trigger foods as well as help the doctor figure out the source of the symptoms.
Once the doctor suspects that the individual has maple syrup allergy, a blood test is requested to check for allergy antibodies. In some cases, a skin prick test is also an effective way to test for a food allergy which involves introduction of a small amount of maple syrup to the skin. The doctor will instruct the individual to avoid maple syrup or foods that contain maple for several weeks and reintroduce it after some time and observe if any of the distinctive symptoms start to manifest.
Management
If an individual is allergic to maple syrup, it should be eliminated from the diet to prevent any symptoms. The individual should carefully read labels, although certain foods that contain maple syrup are relatively lower than other common food allergens.
Avoid any food that contains maple syrup or maple sugar. This usually includes certain types of cereals, bread, flavored oatmeal, desserts and baked goods. In case favorites are not allowed, the individual can create one at home using an alternative sweetener. An individual prone to severe reactions is required to bring along an epinephrine auto-injector in case of accidental ingestion. A shot should be administered once initial symptoms manifest.
Important considerations to bear in mind
If an individual is allergic to maple syrup, the sap or pollen from the maple tree might also generate allergy symptoms such as stuffed nose, contact rashes, watery eyes and sneezing episodes.
Remember that these symptoms require alternative methods of treatment that might include topical ointments or antihistamines. Nevertheless, being allergic to maple pollen does not necessarily mean that the individual is allergic to maple syrup.