Symptoms of Corn Allergies

Corn allergies are still relatively rare, but as with most food allergies, they are becoming more and more prevalent. A corn allergy can be especially hard to pinpoint because of how many food products contain either corn or a corn-derived product. Thousands of processed foods contain corn syrup, cornstarch or corn meal, which all must be avoided by people with a corn allergy. A corn allergy can be diagnosed with simple allergy tests. The best treatment option is to simply avoid corn and all food products that contain it.

Anaphylaxis

• In severe cases, a person who is allergic to corn may experience anaphylaxis after eating something containing it. Anaphylaxis is a serious condition requiring immediate medical treatment. People with anaphylaxis experience swelling in the lips, mouth and throat, reduced blood pressure and nausea and vomiting. The condition can eventually cause someone to lose consciousness.

Breathing Difficulties

• People who are allergic to corn may experience wheezing or shortness of breath after eating a food product containing corn. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions may experience a worsening of their symptoms.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

• For some people with a corn allergy, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea will follow after eating corn or a product containing corn.

Hives

• Hives, which are itchy red patches that can occur anywhere on the body, are often a symptom of a corn allergy. Some people will also develop other types of skin rashes after eating something containing corn.

Other Symptoms

• Other possible signs that someone is allergic to corn include eczema, bad headaches, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, difficulty sleeping and joint pain.