It’s time for the final part of my Surviving Onion Allergy Guide, dedicated to busting common misconceptions about onion allergy. Clearing up misinformation about onion allergy is important so that everyone can understand more onion allergy and create a safer world.
If you’d like to learn more about onion allergy, check out the earlier sections of the Surviving Onion Allergy Guide:
Part 1 – Introduction to onion allergy
Part 2 – skin contact allergy to onion
Part 3 – airborne onion allergy
Part 4 – ingesting onions and allergic reactions
Part 5 – onion cross-reactivity with other alliums
Let’s debunk some myths about onion allergy now!
Onion Allergy Only Manifests As Digestive Issues
Reality: Symptoms of an onion allergy can range from digestive issues to skin rashes, lip swelling, headaches, and dizziness. In severe cases, it can even lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction.
Cooking Eliminates Onion Allergen
Reality: Cooking does not eliminate the allergenic protein alliinase in onions. This protein remains active regardless of cooking time, and cooked onions can still trigger allergic reactions.
Allergic Reactions To Onions Are Always Immediate
Reality: it depends from person to person. Sometimes allergy symptoms will occur immediately after the onion is consumed, smelled and touched. Sometimes the allergy symptoms can occur a few hours after the exposure to onions. The same goes for anaphylaxis, it can occur immediately after exposure to onions or a few hours after the exposure.
Onion Skin Contact Allergy Is Mild
Reality: Skin contact with onions can cause mild to severe reactions, including rashes, redness, burning, blisters, swelling, and even anaphylaxis. Onion skin contact allergy is not necessarily milder than other types of onion allergies.
Outgrowing Onion Allergy Is Common
Reality: While it is possible to outgrow certain allergies that we have as kids, unfortunately onion allergy is not one of them. Onion allergy almost always persists into adulthood.
Allergic Reactions Occur Only With Raw Onions
Reality: Allergic reactions can occur with both raw and cooked onions. The compounds responsible for allergic reaction in onions remain present even after cooking. Also, powdered onion and onion infused oils contain allergenic compounds of onion. This is the reason why raw onion, cooked onions, powdered onions, onion infused oils are causing allergic reactions.
Onion Cross Reactivity With Other Allium Plants Is Rare
Reality: Onion allergy frequently involves cross-reactivity with other plants in the allium family. Allium plants like garlic, leeks, and shallots contain similar versions of the protein alliinase, which can prompt the immune system to misidentify these plants as threats, triggering allergic reactions in people with onion allergies. For instance, proteins in onions may closely resemble those in leeks or shallots, making cross-reactivity common for individuals with onion allergies.
Onion Allergy Develops Only In Childhood
Reality: Onion allergy can develop at any age due to changes in the immune system. Allergies arise when the immune system begins to view a harmless substance as harmful, which can happen at any stage of life.
Myth: Onion Allergy Only Affects The Digestive System
Reality: Onion allergies can have systemic effects, impacting the skin, respiratory system, and even leading to anaphylaxis in severe cases. It’s not limited to digestive issues alone.
In this article, I’ve gathered and debunked the 9 most common misconceptions about onion allergy, exploring whether each myth is true or false.
Living with an onion allergy can be challenging, but understanding your condition and using effective management strategies empowers you to live a full, enjoyable life. Don’t let your allergy stop you from enjoying social gatherings, dining out, or other activities you love. Communicate your allergy with family, friends, and restaurant staff—they’ll often be happy to accommodate you.
Remember, you’re not alone! There are plenty of resources to support you on this journey. I prepared a 6 part guide Surviving onion allergy to help you. In all of the guides, you will find tips and tricks to help you manage your onion allergy and enjoy your life to the fullest.
Check Out Surviving Onion Allergy Guide:
- Part 1: Introduction to onion allergy
- Part 2: skin contact allergy to onion
- Part 3: airborne onion allergy
- Part 4: ingesting onions and allergic reactions
- Part 5: onion cross-reactivity with other alliums
- Part 6: Common myths about onion allergy
Disclaimer: This overview of onion cross-reactivity is only for information purposes and it does not replace advice from your healthcare provider. All the information here is only to inform you, not to diagnose you. If you have any symptoms or you suspect that you have an onion allergy, consult your GP first.
Have you heard any other myths about onions? Let me know—I’d love to hear them!
Let me know in a comment below 💚
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