There are many symptoms of a citric acid allergy and it can present itself as sneezing or an anaphylactic shock. However, it is important to know the difference between citric acid intolerance and citric acid allergy.
This is a rare kind of allergy which affects around 1% of the population. Citric acid is a naturally-occurring substance that is found in a variety of vegetables and fruits. It is found in a larger proportion in some of the berries and citrus fruits. Some of the symptoms of a citric acid allergy include having a mild discomfort in the chest or even an anaphylactic shock. Hence, it is important that you watch out for these symptoms and take adequate precautions before it leads to severe complications.
The symptoms of a citric acid allergy can vary to a very large degree. Sometimes, a person may show signs of having an allergic reaction right after ingesting citric acid and at other times, the person may show signs after a few hours only. Even the severity of the allergic reaction can vary from one person to another. It may either be a mild allergy or it may even be a life-threatening situation.
Some of the symptoms of a citric acid allergy include skin rashes. It may cause itching and redness and these rashes can sometimes resemble hives. The person may sometimes experience swelling in the oral cavity as well as the eyelids. If the situation worsens the person may find it difficult to even breathe, especially when there is facial swelling and swelling of the tongue.
The most common allergic reaction to citric acid is some amount of abdominal distress that may lead to diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, or constipation. Some people may also experience abdominal bloating after consuming citric acid. There are also instances of people exhibiting neurological symptoms that may include panic attacks, moodiness, anxiety, as well as bouts of crying etc.
When there is an allergic reaction to citric acid, it is mainly due to some of the specific compounds present in citrus fruits. Consult an allergist if you exhibit any of these symptoms after you have consumed citric acid in any form – whether in the natural or in the synthetic form.