Mint allergy: causes, symptoms, treatment

Allergy to mint is quite common and requires timely provision of the necessary assistance, since there is a high likelihood of developing various complications.

An allergic reaction can occur in patients of any age. In a child, the first symptoms of allergy appear as a food reaction with pronounced diathesis. In infants, there is a high probability of allergens entering the body with breast milk, since mint is often recommended to be used as a lactation agent.

Causes of an allergic reaction

The most susceptible to the development of allergies are patients who have a hereditary predisposition to various types of allergies. In addition, the risk group includes people with a weakened immune system, since it is she who plays the main role in the determination of antigens.

Patients with gastrointestinal diseases and impaired renal function are susceptible to the attack of allergens. Contact with phyto-essence of spruce and Peruvian balsam can provoke a negative reaction, since these substances contain proteins similar in composition.

Peppermint oil and components are very popular and are included in many hygiene and cosmetic preparations. In addition, mint is often present in foods and drinks, so patients prone to allergies should carefully study the composition of products and cosmetics.

Symptoms of the disease

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to peppermint are as follows:

• the sinuses swell, which is accompanied by increased mucus production;
• there is hyperemia of the skin, accompanied by profuse rashes and unbearable itching;
• with auscultation, wheezing in the chest, shortness of breath may be heard;
• the patient's voice may be hoarse, an attack of suffocation may develop;
• redness in the eyelids and increased lacrimation;

• symptoms resembling food intoxication with diarrhea, spastic pain in the stomach, indomitable vomiting and bouts of nausea are often noted;
• in addition, hyperthermia and hypertension are possible, accompanied by increased weakness and lethargy of the patient.

Typically, this reaction resolves after the termination of contact with the allergen. Otherwise, the accumulation of harmful substances occurs, which leads to anaphylactic shock and angioedema (giant urticaria). These conditions are life threatening and require urgent medical attention.

Treatment of the disease

Mint allergy is treated like all allergic diseases. First of all, it is necessary to exclude the use of mint in all its manifestations.

• As a rule, antihistamines Claritin, Diazolin, Erius, Zyrtec, etc. are prescribed. These drugs actively relieve allergic symptoms, suppressing the formation of histamine in mast cells, thereby positively affecting the general condition sick. However, it must be borne in mind that first generation antihistamines have side effects, which must be taken into account when prescribing therapy;

• to remove toxins from the body formed during allergic exposure, it is recommended to take enterosorbents (Polysorb, Activated carbon, Enterosgel, etc.). These drugs reduce toxic effects by cleansing the body as quickly as possible;
• with severe development of allergies, glucocorticosteroid drugs (Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone, Prednisolone) may be recommended. They can be prescribed for topical use in the form of ointments, oral administration, and injections. But these drugs can be prescribed only as a last resort, since they have a number of side effects.

It should be remembered that treatment should be carried out only after a preliminary medical examination. This will help you choose the right tactics, effectively reduce allergy symptoms and prevent possible complications.

Preventing mint allergies

Prevention of the development of mint allergy is of great importance. It is important to be careful if there is a hereditary predisposition to such manifestations.

1. When buying, you should carefully study the composition of the product, since mint is used in them quite often, as well as in essential hygiene products, for example, in toothpaste. In addition, there is a wide range of medications with peppermint supplements. This should also be considered even if there are no obvious allergy symptoms.

1. To relieve an acute attack of allergy, you must always have an antihistamine with you (Erius, Tavegil, etc.). This will help prevent an attack at the very beginning, which has a positive effect on further tactics of behavior.
2. It is recommended to strengthen the immune system through a variety of sports and conditioning. Swimming and walking are good for this. In addition, the rehabilitation of chronic foci of inflammation should be carried out in a timely manner.

Observing all the conditions of treatment and prevention, you can achieve long-term remission without disrupting the usual rhythm of a person's life.