Allergen, Individual-Food Orangesantra (Citrus sinensis)

• Establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to Orange
• Identifying allergens responsible for allergic disease and/or anaphylactic episode
• To confirm sensitization prior to beginning immunotherapy

Common signs or symptoms of orange allergy may include the following:

• Hives or skin rashes
• Itching/swelling (especially of the lips/face/tongue/throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing
• Fast heartbeat
• Digestive symptoms – cramps, stomach pain, bloating, nausea or vomiting

A severe, possibly life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis may occur in some cases. An anaphylactic response requires immediate medical attention. Signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

• Rapid or increased pulse
• Swollen throat or lump, making it difficult to breathe
• Low blood pressure
• Extreme dizziness or loss of consciousness

Specific IgE measures the concentration of circulating allergen specific IgE for food allergen Orange.

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

Detection of IgE antibodies indicates an increased likelihood of allergy to Orange that may be responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. A negative result indicates that the symptoms are not due to Orange allergies and other differential diagnoses must be considered.