Chocolate allergy is an exaggerated reaction of the immune system to some of the ingredients present in chocolate, such as milk, cocoa, peanuts, soy, nuts, eggs, essence or some preservative.
Therefore, chocolate allergy can cause some symptoms such as itching, redness of the skin and difficulty breathing, in the most serious cases.
It is important that if you suspect an allergy to chocolate or any of its components, an allergist is consulted so that an assessment can be carried out, tests can be recommended to help identify which ingredients are causing the allergy, and the most appropriate treatment can be indicated.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of chocolate allergy are:
- Itching and redness of the skin;
- Stomachache;
- Vomiting;
- Abdominal gases;
- Dry cough;
- Nasal discharge;
- Diarrhea.
In addition, other more serious symptoms may appear, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat and wheezing.
In the presence of signs and symptoms indicative of a chocolate allergy, it is important that the person is taken to the emergency room as quickly as possible, as it may be indicative of an anaphylactic reaction, which is a serious situation that can put the person’s life at risk. See more about the anaphylactic reaction.
Difference between chocolate allergy and intolerance
Chocolate intolerance is a reflection of poor digestion of some ingredient in chocolate, and is also mainly linked to cow’s milk, while allergy is the body’s reaction to some component of chocolate.
Chocolate intolerance is less serious and causes minor and more temporary symptoms, such as stomach pain, abdominal bloating, excess gas, vomiting and diarrhea. See more about the differences between allergy and intolerance.
Online symptom test
To find out the chances of having an allergy, such as chocolate allergy, please select the symptoms you are experiencing:
This test is just a guidance tool. Therefore, it is not intended to provide a diagnosis and does not replace consultation with an allergist, immunologist or general practitioner.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of chocolate allergy is made by the allergist based on the evaluation of the signs and symptoms presented by the person, and it is also recommended to carry out an allergy test to discover what is triggering the exaggerated response of the immune system.
The test is carried out by placing different substances on the skin, which may be on the back or forearm, and leaving it to act for around 48 hours, and the person must return to the doctor so that an assessment of the body’s response can be carried out. See how the allergy test is done.
How the treatment is carried out
Allergy treatment is prescribed by an allergist and varies according to the symptoms and severity of the problem. In general, medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids and decongestants are used.
In addition, it is also necessary to exclude all foods that cause allergies to avoid new attacks. It is also recommended that you read the food label to identify whether the component you are allergic to is present as an ingredient in the product to be consumed.
How to replace chocolate
Replacing chocolate will depend on the ingredient that causes the allergy. Therefore, people with allergies to peanuts or tree nuts, for example, should avoid chocolates that have these ingredients in their composition.
For cases of cocoa allergy, you can use chocolates made from carob, which is a natural substitute for cocoa, while for cases of milk allergy, you should use chocolates made without milk or with vegetable milk, such as milk. soy, coconut or almonds, for example.
Bibliography
- Wiola Żukiewicz-Sobczak; Paula Wróblewska-Łuczka. Causes, symptoms and prevention of food allergy. Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii. 30.2; 113-116, 2013
