Banana Allergy in Infants: Symptoms, Causes & What to Do

When introducing new foods to an infant, it is important to watch for signs of a food allergy. With bananas, several symptoms may indicate an allergy.

Skin Symptoms

• Skin symptoms of a banana allergy include hives (red, swollen welts found anywhere on the body), eczema, itching, swollen tongue or mouth or swelling on the face or extremities.

Gastrointestinal Tract

• Symptoms may show up within the gastrointestinal tract, such as nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or pain in the abdomen.

Cardiovascular Symptoms

• After ingesting bananas, a baby with an allergy may display cardiovascular symptoms such as fainting.

Respiratory Tract

• Babies with a banana allergy may exhibit respiratory symptoms after exposure, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing or a stuffy/runny nose.

Diagnosis

• To make a diagnosis, a doctor will want to know the exact symptoms that occurred and the time from the exposure to the onset of symptoms. A doctor will also inquire if there are any known allergies within the family.

Considerations

• Babies who are allergic to bananas may also be allergic to foods with similar chemical compounds such as avocado, kiwi and tomato. They may also be at a higher risk of developing a latex allergy.