What are the symptoms of a chickpea allergy?
Everyone experiences symptoms a little differently. Some of the most common chickpea allergy symptoms are:
- Skin reactions like itchy skin, redness, hives or swelling.
- Diarrhea, abdominal cramps and vomiting.
- Changes in blood pressure.
- Coughing or wheezing.
- Tightness in your throat.
- Itchiness or burning in your mouth.
People with severe allergic reactions may experience anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate care. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Swelling in your throat, trouble swallowing or feeling like your throat is closing.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Feeling faint or dizzy, sudden confusion or having other signs of a drop in blood pressure.
It’s important to note that there’s a difference between an intolerance and an allergy. An intolerance mainly affects your stomach and digestive system. It may cause symptoms like bloating, diarrhea and passing gas. An immune system allergic reaction affects multiple organ systems, including your respiratory system, skin, cardiovascular system and others. So, symptoms affect many different parts of your body.
What causes an allergy to chickpeas?
An allergic reaction happens when your body thinks a food or substance is harmful to your body. It reacts by making antibodies called IgE antibodies (immunoglobulin E). These antibodies cause your body to release a variety of chemicals, including histamine, which gives you allergy symptoms.
For chickpeas specifically, researchers believe your immune system reacts to chick pea globulin, prolamin or albumin, which are proteins in chickpeas. The proteins remain in chickpeas even when they’re roasted or cooked.
Who gets chickpea allergies?
Anyone can be allergic to chickpeas. But, you may be more likely to have an allergy if you:
- Have an allergy to a legume like peanuts or soybeans. One study found that 1 in 20 people with an allergy to one legume also had an allergy to another type of legume. This is because all legumes contain similar proteins.
- Have other allergies.
- Have asthma or eczema.
- Live in areas of the world where chickpeas are more abundant in the cuisine, like India and countries around the Mediterranean.
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Do chickpeas trigger a peanut allergy?
No. The two are related because they’re both in the legume family and contain similar proteins. Your healthcare provider is the best person to discuss potential allergies with.
Am I allergic to chickpeas if I’m allergic to peanuts?
No, not necessarily. While they contain similar proteins, you don’t automatically have an allergy to chickpeas if you have a peanut allergy. You should let your healthcare provider know if you have a peanut or soy allergy as this could help with your diagnosis.
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What are the complications of this condition?
The most serious complication of a chickpea allergy is going into anaphylactic shock. This involves a severe drop in blood pressure, severe shortness of breath and possible loss of consciousness. If you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, visit an emergency room immediately. Most allergic reactions to chickpeas are mild and not life-threatening.
