Raisins are dried grapes and a natural sweet treat, but some people may have an allergic reaction after eating them. This may be because of a plant allergy or an allergy to mold, if the raisins are moldy.
If you believe you have symptoms of an allergy, call your doctor or an allergist to determine the cause.
When Does a Raisin Allergy Occur?
A raisin allergy occurs when your immune system identifies the proteins in the raisin as harmful, rather than safe. The immune system’s function is to keep the body safe from infectious organisms such as viruses, bacteria, and toxins.
When your immune system mistakes raisin proteins as dangerous, your body creates disease-fighting antibodies called immunoglobulin E to destroy the substance, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These antibodies cause a chemical chain reaction throughout the body that causes most allergy symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms from a raisin allergy are the result of increased histamine in soft tissues. The IgE antibodies communicate with white blood cells located in soft tissue that produce histamine to protect the body. Histamine causes blood vessels to dilate, your lungs to constrict, and increased mucus production.
These changes in the body can cause a number of symptoms, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, including:
- Bloating
- Chest tightness and feeling out of breath
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Lightheadedness
- Rash
- Runny or itchy nose
- Sneezing
- Stomach cramps
- Swelling or the tongue, throat, or other areas
- Vomiting
If your allergy symptoms are serious or do not subside, call for medical attention.
Plant Allergy
As fruits, a plant-based food, raisins may cause an allergic reaction if you have a plant allergy.
Allergens are present in the skin and seeds of raisins. Although most people can eat raisins without having symptoms of an allergic reaction, it is possible for people with a plant-related allergy to have a reaction to eating raisins.
According to research published in the journal Foods, an allergic reaction to fruits such as raisins and grapes may include symptoms that appear in, on, or near the mouth, as well as skin and systemic reactions.
Mold Allergy
As a dried fruit, raisins can be prone to mold. Mold allergies are common but are typically categorized with hay fever or an airborne allergy, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
It’s typically not wise to eat food that contains mold. Check the expiration date on the packaging of your raisins before eating them.
If you have a known mold allergy, talk with your doctor about implementing an elimination food diet. This can help you determine if you can continue eating grapes and raisins or if they may be worth cutting out of your diet.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, sulfites in preservatives used in raisins also may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Treatment
When your doctor or allergist identifies the exact cause of your allergy, you will receive a recommendation to avoid things that trigger a reaction.
If you are allergic to raisins or mold spores and accidentally ingest them, you may be able to take an over-the-counter antihistamine to reduce your symptoms. Other medications may include pain relievers, decongestants, and topical steroid creams.
Do not use any medications to treat an allergic reaction without first consulting with your doctor.
