Allergy, Pork

Pork is a type of meat known for its high protein content and varying amounts of fat. It is derived from domestic pigs and is also rich in specific vitamins and minerals, with lean pork being a staple food for individuals worldwide.

Usually, it is consumed in an unprocessed form. However, cured pork products like ham, bacon, and sausages are also popular among the masses.

Besides edible items, pork occurs in products like detergents, cleansers, dish liquids, and soaps. Although relatively uncommon, pork allergy occurs in patients worldwide, making it impossible for them to consume or come in contact with pork products.

This condition occurs due to the immune system of the body treating pork as a foreign invader, similar to how it treats bacteria and viruses. This is due to a sensitivity to an allergic cross-reaction between cat serum albumin and albumin present in pork. Not to mention, this reaction is more adverse if undercooked pork meat is consumed.

If left unchecked, a pork allergy may lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition where that occurs due to an allergic reaction in the body. It causes the airways to tighten and drops the body's blood pressure. After a while, it can be fatal and cause death.

The pork allergy test determines the cause of this allergic reaction before it turns severe and leads to anaphylaxis. It is a standard blood test where a clinical lab technician draws blood from your vein in the arm, usually at the bend of the elbow. The subsequent blood sample is then refrigerated and analyzed.

It measures the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood responsible for the allergic reaction to pork. In this method, specific IgE from the patient's serum interacts with the allergen of interest, pork in this case. After the non-specific IgE is washed away, an enzyme-labelled IgE antibody is used to form a complex. The unbound IgE gets washed away next, and the bound complex is allowed to incubate with a developing agent.

After stopping the reaction, its fluorescence level is measured. The higher this level is, the more specific IgE is present in the blood sample. If the IgE antibodies in the blood belong to class 1 or higher, it might indicate pork allergy in the patient. It would also rule out the presence of additional food allergies.

Apollo 24/7 offers a comprehensive pork allergy test to detect the presence of allergens before the condition worsens. Some of the symptoms associated with a pork allergy are:

• Rashes and inflammation of the skin
• Gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
• Difficulty in breathing
• Runny nose

The presence of one or more of these symptoms might prove fatal if left unchecked. A doctor might be able to ascertain the cause, especially if these are consistent in nature.
 

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