Has anyone had a reaction to kiwi fruit?

Question

The last 4 times I have eaten them my mouth and throat becomes very tingly and sore.
I've never had a problem before.

Answer 1

No but I like kiwi

Answer 2

Almost all foods can produce an allergic reaction in some sensitive people. The most common foods to give allergic responses are wheat flour and cows' milk followed by other foods such as oranges, shellfish and so on.

The first reports of allergic reactions to kiwifruit occurred in 1981 when the fruit became more common. The prevalence of kiwifruit allergy is less common in food allergic individuals than with most other foods but the reaction to the allergen is important because of the frequency in people with other sensitivities.


Symptoms

Primarily, the reaction is described as an anaphylactic response, that is, it is a swelling of the tongue and throat that can make breathing difficult. In a very few severe cases, treatment by a doctor or a hospital may be necessary, particularly in young children.

Other symptoms include marked swelling and itching of lips and tongue within a few minutes of eating kiwifruit, sometimes with gnawing pains in the stomach, maybe vomiting. Itchy nose and eyes may also be experienced.

The symptoms usually disappear within 30 minutes.


Cause

The reaction is due to the presence of the enzyme actinidin in kiwifruit. It is also the primary protein in kiwifruit, it being unusual for fruit to contain protein.

In Hayward, actinidin represents around 1% of the fresh weight and it is present in all Actinidia species. However, we have not measured the level in chinensis (or Kiwi GOLD) but we will do so this year.


Relief

Although the symptoms will disappear within 30 minutes as the body's immune system responds, in those severely affected, or in very young children, a doctor or hospital may inject anti-histamines to quickly relieve the symptoms.

Answer 3

Yes, I have reacted to kiwi fruit on a number of occasions. I have anaphylaxis and am allergic to many things. It you are having problems with Kiwi fruit it is possible you are developing an allergy to latex, the natural rubber product. Kiwi fruit is also related to strawberry, banana, avocado, tomato and some nuts. You really should get tested for allergies as it can be life threatening and if you accidentally have something one day you could die. If you are allergic you will need to keep an epipen and change your diet.
If you have problems with latex you will have to watch out with your underwear as a lot of it now days has a latex coating on the seams, and don't scratch a scratchy ticket as the plastic coasting is latex based. Get that under your fingernails and you are in trouble.

Answer 4

Anyone can be allergic to anything. The most common allergies are to dust, shellfish, and pollen. Anyway, some of the best ways to tell if you have an allergy to something is to do the scratch test, which it so scratch your skin and rub the item on the scratch. If you have a welt after a few minutes you have an allergy. I went through this for two days of agony. If you are allergic to something you eat it can upset your stomach, make you feel bloated, and sometimes a feeling a heat burn. Allergies, also, can come and go. Sometimes allergies will go away and sometimes you can develop new allergies. I would go see an allergist! Good luck!!!

Answer 5

A reaction like you had to the kiwi fruit could mean that you have, or are developing, a latex allergy. Do you have problems with banana, avocado, chestnut, or tomato? Do some reasearch on this subject and , in the meantime, avoid eating the kiwi.

Answer 6

I agree with Tinkerbell--anyone can be allergic to anything. Food allergies can be deadly, so if you have reacted the last four times you've eaten it, I strongly recommend that you never eat it again. I nearly died from eating pineapple--had anaphylactic shock. So you never know what you will be allergic to. Also, skin tests are not the best thing to do for food allergies; go to an allergist who specializes in food allergies. You might get drops under your tongue and wait to see how you react; the doctor is always there (or should be!) to take immediate action if you have a bad reaction to it.
Good luck.

Answer 7

Two answers:

Firstly, I once ate a kiwi whilst suffering from a mouth ulcer - it swelled up like a balloon! (The ulcer, not the kiwi).

Secondly, my friend is allergic to vitamin C, and too much of any fruit will make her ill, but kiwi is by far the worst, and nearly kills her.

Answer 8

Well, this doesnt happen anymore but i used to eat kiwis and after a while my mouth would get sore, like eating them would make my lips sting. it was the oddest thing and it would usually go away about a half hour after i ate it. i was never completely sure why that happened. maybe the kiwis werent ripe enough?

Answer 9

personally i have no problem but that doesn't mean that it's not normal. you should avoid it. before doing that, you should try organic kiwis and if this happens again then sto eating altogether and try after 2 years time (usually, when an allergy is developed you can grow out of it in 2 years time).

Answer 10

It sounds like a food allergy. Best to avoid them - especially if the insides of your cheeks and your tongue swells. Consider being tested for allergies in the future and get an Epipen.