The Many Flavors of Pineapple Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions to fruit, particularly apples, stone fruits and bananas, are commonly reported.1 One fruit less frequently described in the literature causes adverse reactions in many patients: pineapple (Ananas comosus). Pineapple is best known in developed countries for its sweet and tangy coalesced berries, but its anti-inflammatory properties and enzymatic activity have been used for centuries.2 Despite its pleasant taste and putative salutary effects, pineapple has been implicated in an array of adverse reactions including uncomfortable mucosal irritation due to acidic pH and bromelain, oral allergy syndrome, and anaphylaxis (Table I).
Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Letters Source Type: research