Lime Allergy IgE Blood Test

Order this Lime Allergy test to measure the IgE antibody levels in a blood sample to detect an allergy to limes. Limes are fruits produced by the lime tree from the Rutaceae (Citrus) family, native to Southeast Asia. Other fruits in the citrus family are oranges, grapefruit, and lemons. Limes are a popular fruit grown worldwide, with countries such as Mexico and India as leading producers. Limes are rich in vitamin C, electrolytes, and antioxidants. Due to its many health benefits, limes are an essential ingredient in many food products, including:

• beverages
• frozen desserts
• herbal teas
• marinades, sauces, and dressings
• certain seafood and meat dishes
• Mexican, Latin-American, and Southeast Asian cuisines
• alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails
• candies and desserts (cheesecakes and cookies)

A lime allergy is uncommon; however, hypersensitive people who ingest limes or lime-based products may experience an allergic reaction. The allergic reaction may range from mild or moderate to severe and differ for each individual. An individual may experience allergic reaction minutes to a few hours after exposure to an allergen. An individual allergic to limes may experience the following symptoms:

• Tingling sensation in or around the mouth
• Swelling 
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Itching, hives, or eczema
• Congestion
• Trouble breathing or wheezing
• Lightheadedness

An extreme, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis can occur in the most severe cases. An anaphylactic response requires immediate medical attention. Signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

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