Question:
Our 20 year old son seems to have developed an allergy to bananas.
While eating bananas his mouth begins to burn, followed shortly by
severe stomach pains, vomitting and diarrhea. This happened first last
summer after which he avoided bananas and then happened when he again
ate bananas. The pains were severe enough that we took him to the
emergency room on Christmas Day! Does anyone have any information on
this possible allergy? The emergency room nurse had never heard of such
an allergy and gave me the impression that his eating of bananas and
this pain and vomiting were not connected.
Answer:
"banana--tropical fruit of the herb Musasapientum whose pulp
contains natural salicylates that may cause urticaria, or hives,
and anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic shock) in a small number
in individuals. Bananas also contain a small amount of chemicals
called vasoactive amines. These substances are capable of causing a
wide range of symptoms, including abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and
severe hypertension, or high blood pressure, if eaten in large quantities.
Persons taking antidepressant drugs called MAO inhibitors should avoid
eating bananas because of an increased likelihood of a nonallergic but
serious reaction."
I have had an anaphylactic reaction to bananas, too. The allergy is
related both to latex allergy and to certain pollen allergies. I just yesterday read of such an allergy. I was researching the
causes of anaphylalctic shock during surgical operations because that
happend to me last week with very nearly fatal consequences. One
suspect was latex allergy which according to the on-line sources I
read also sometimes manifests as an allergy to bananas, avocados,
kiwis or some other fruits. Check it out. If he should happen to
have latex allergy, it could kill him during an operation. Note. Anyone allergic to latex would probably also react to condoms
with a rash you know where.
Be safe not sorry and check him for latex allergy. You could save his
life.
