Allergy to Kiwi

Consumption of kiwi fruit is recommended by nutrition experts due to its nutritional value and the presence of many useful vitamins and minerals in it.
But kiwi contains several allergenic substances, and children and sensitive adults experience local allergic reactions after consuming this fruit, and sometimes, in severe cases, they experience systemic anaphylaxis reactions.
Kiwi is usually consumed raw in Iran as a fruit or mixed in ice cream, all kinds of desserts, yogurt, mixed in fruit juices and some sauces.

The scientific name of kiwi is Actinidia deliciosa and it belongs to the kiwi family of Actinidiaceae.
The kiwi plant is native to China, but after its seed was brought to New Zealand in 1904 and its modification, kiwi was exported to all parts of the world and received attention.
In Iran, kiwi tree cultivation is limited to the shores of the Caspian Sea, and in other regions of the country, it is not usually produced due to weather and soil conditions.
Due to its resistance to cold, kiwi tree has been a good alternative for citrus orchards that are sensitive to cold.
Kiwi fruit has many varieties in the world, the most famous varieties in Iran are Hayward, Abbott, Manti, Bruno, Alice, or Grassi.

In addition to its juicy texture, kiwi fruit allergens are also found in its black seeds.

Allergic reactions to kiwi fruit were first described in Chinese patients in 1981.
The severity of allergic symptoms and reactions due to consumption of kiwi fruit varies from mild and self-limiting to moderate and even severe (anaphylaxis reaction). In teenagers and adults, kiwi sensitivity is often caused by a cross reaction.
Allergic reactions to kiwi fruit in the mouth area.
One of the most common symptoms of kiwi allergy is redness, itching, swelling in the lips and around the mouth, as well as swelling inside the oral cavity (in the tongue and throat area) (oral allergy syndrome or OAS). Some people who are sensitive to kiwi may also experience sneezing or itching in the nose, eyes and ears.
Often, these symptoms occur due to cross-reaction of kiwi with plant pollen such as birch pollen or some grasses, as well as materials such as latex. Fortunately, the symptoms of oral allergy syndrome gradually disappear after washing and eliminating the remaining kiwi in the mouth and around the mouth!

Sometimes, after skin contact with kiwi and the juicy tissues of that sensitive person, hives and itching in the contact area, i.e. hands.
Also, due to the contact of kiwi or hands stained with kiwi with the skin of the face, allergic reactions may occur.

Due to the consumption of kiwi by an allergic person, disturbances in the breathing process (shortness of breath and wheezing) may occur in the person due to the swelling of the tissues of the throat and tongue as well as the respiratory tract. Due to the severity of respiratory symptoms, urgent medical attention should be considered.

Like other food allergies, the symptoms of kiwi consumption are accompanied by bloating and abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The diagnosis of allergy and sensitivity to kiwi fruit is made after a clinical examination by a specialist doctor and knowledge of the history of the disease. A specialist doctor recommends skin and blood tests for accurate diagnosis of this type of allergy.

In order to prevent and control the sensitivity and allergy to kiwi fruit, the most definitive treatment is to avoid its consumption.
Of course, this refraining from consuming kiwi is after proving the allergy to this fruit with the opinion of a specialist doctor and based on the results of diagnostic skin or blood tests.
People who are allergic to kiwi should avoid consumption and contact with this fruit, especially raw! In addition to kiwi, an allergic person should avoid contact with these plant allergens or latex.
The specialist doctor usually prescribes antihistamine drugs or topical steroid ointments. But for very severe symptoms such as anaphylaxis reactions, emergency care is needed.

• In case of proof of allergy to kiwi fruit, it is recommended not to consume raw fruit or food containing it!
• People who are sensitive to kiwi should be careful when consuming fruit juices, especially mixed fruit juices. Small amounts of kiwi juice in such juices may cause allergic reactions in a person.
• It is recommended that a person who is sensitive to materials containing latex, avoids consumption or contact with kiwi.
• A person who is sensitive to the pollen of some plants, such as birch pollen or some grasses, should be careful in consuming kiwi.
• Kiwi should be used with caution for children and allergic children! For the first time, a small amount of kiwi should be consumed, and if no allergic symptoms occur, larger amounts of kiwi can be used.