May 17, 2013

A Tomato Sauce Allergy In Children

Tomatoes are botanically related to the potato, both included in the nightshade family of plants. Usually children who have an allergy to potatoes, also have an allergy to tomatoes.

There are at least four concepts to keep in mind about food allergies, namely avoidance, education, awareness, and preparedness. Your awareness of the problem of allergies in children is the initial motivator to encourage you to educate yourself more on this condition.

Education will increase your awareness and you will know the factors that can trigger an allergic reaction. This allows you to better prepare for situations in which an allergic reaction may occur.

a tomato sauce allergy in children

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Tomatoes Allergy


Allergy to a tomato sauce can cause common symptoms such as other allergic reactions. Nausea, vomiting, skin rash, itching, airway constriction, wheezing, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips.

These symptoms will usually appear within 45 minutes after people who have allergies consume tomatoes. However, a severe allergic reaction to tomatoes are scarce.


A doctor makes a diagnosis by observing tomato allergy symptoms and take your child's medical history. Diagnostic tests will be done if your child is suspected allergic to tomatoes.

Your child's blood will be taken and processed in the laboratory to detect the presence of antibodies to allergens tomatoes. Test results can be seen within 24 hours.

Warnings and Considerations


Anaphylactic shock due to food allergies can be fatal, it affects about 1 million people in the U.S. each year. If your child has a severe allergy to tomato sauce, anaphylactic shock reactions are possible. Take your child to the emergency room immediately if you suspect he suffered anaphylactic shock.

The symptoms of anaphylactic shock are narrowing of the airways, difficulty breathing and fainting that occurs between 5 to 15 minutes after exposure to an allergen.

A study published in 2001 investigated the cross-reactivity of tomato and latex allergens in a group of 40 children and young adults with allergic to tomatoes. If your child is allergic to tomato sauce, chances are she is also sensitive to latex as well. Consultation with your doctor immediately if you suspect your child may have some allergy sensitivity.

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