Nightshade vegetables typically include peppers, potatoes and tomatoes. A reaction to these vegetables is considered uncommon. If an individual is suspected with an allergy to nightshade vegetables, a doctor should be consulted for further testing.
Respiratory symptoms
The usual indications that might arise in just minutes of consuming nightshade vegetables are rhinitis and asthma.
Rhinitis involves inflammation in the eyes, sinuses and throat. The individual usually ends up with watery, itchy eyes along with runny nose, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, sneezing and sore throat. The lungs can also become swollen which results to shortness of breath, wheezing and chest pain. Additionally, wheezing also arises which is a high-pitched sound created by the opening of the throat that is blocked by inflammation.
Digestive issues due to nightshade vegetables
The digestive issues are likely to occur with any food allergy. It is important to note that the intestinal tract becomes inflamed from histamine which leads to:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Stomach pain
If there is blood or mucus in the stool, a doctor must be consulted right away. Once the nightshade vegetables are eliminated from the body, the symptoms settle. In case they persist, it might be due to another medical condition.
Management
The ideal treatment for an allergy to nightshade vegetables is eliminating them from the diet. If consumed accidentally, provide an antihistamine to manage the minor allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing and hives.
Over-the-counter GI tract medications do not have any effect on the digestive signs until the proteins move out of the body.
Similar with any food allergy, anaphylaxis can occur. It is important to note that anaphylaxis is a rare, severe allergic reaction that involves the entire body. The blood pressure abruptly drops followed by fainting, tightness of the throat and hives. Call for immediate medical attention if these are present. A shot of epinephrine might be required to manage the symptoms.