Allergy, Cabbage

Cabbage is a rich source of nutrition, including antioxidants and minerals. Generally, the term “cabbage” indicates the entire family of cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and brussels sprouts.

Cabbage and other vegetables of the family are actively used in regular food such as soups, curries, salads, and coleslaw sandwiches. Additionally, healthy digestive juices are also available after fermenting the cabbage.

Considering that cabbage allergies are not very common and can occur in rare cases, it is essential to notice the symptoms and take an allergy test for cabbage. This is because allergic reactions inhibit the RAST protein and have a low molecular weight.

One of the common allergens in cabbage is called Bra o 3. It is a dangerous protein detected in the cabbage allergy test as it is a heat-stable allergen. This allergen is a lipid transfer protein and is so abundant during the allergic reaction that a skin prick test is enough to diagnose the reaction.

Cabbage also consists of chitinase, but its relevance in allergic reactions hasn’t been identified. However, it is possible that people who are allergic to chitinase, in general, might develop allergies to cabbage as well. Hence, a cabbage allergy test is essential to find the specific IgE responsible for triggering the allergies.

Additionally, an allergy test for cabbage also assists in identifying cross-reactivity toward other vegetables of the same family. On the other hand, the proteins in the cabbage are responsible for causing immediate reactions such as dermatitis and hay fever. This is because the cabbage extracts release isothiocyanates on the skin after coming in contact with the chemical.

As per an allergy test for cabbage, it was found that the plant’s pollen is also responsible for causing hay fever. 
Fortunately, Apollo 24|7 offers a cabbage allergy test to detect the specific IgE in the body that will help your physician prescribe the necessary treatment protocol. Below are the symptoms that one can notice before taking an allergy test for cabbage:

• Swelling on the face
• Tingling and itching in mouth, tongue, lips, and face
• Abdominal pain causing symptoms in the colon
• Nausea and vomiting
• Wheezing and tightness in the chest
• Anaphylactic shock in severe circumstances

The symptoms start occurring within an hour of consuming the vegetable. Usually, the immune system mistakes the cabbage for a foreign particle and starts neutralising it. Due to this reaction, the body aggressively attacks the cabbage proteins, and the person suffers symptoms.

A cabbage allergy test can help you avoid life-threatening situations like anaphylaxis. An allergy test for cabbage is also essential for mothers because the baby suffers from colic symptoms when they breastfeed after consuming it.

The reactions can sometimes get severe because cabbage directly triggers the histamine reaction and produces noticeable symptoms. 

Medically reviewed by Dr Jatin Ahuja, Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, South Delhi.