Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCommon Pizza AllergensFood Allergy SymptomsManagement and PreventionWhen to Seek TreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Common Pizza Allergens
Food Allergy Symptoms
Management and Prevention
When to Seek Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common allergens in pizza are milk, tomato, yeast, egg, and wheat. Allergic reactions to them can cause symptoms ranging from stomach upset to trouble breathing and even death.
This article will explain how these ingredients cause allergies, what symptoms to watch out for, when a reaction requires medical care, and how to make substitutions that will allow you to enjoy pizza safely.
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Milk Allergy
Caseinand whey proteins (alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin) are the main proteins found in dairy products like cheese and milk. They are good sources of essential amino acids needed for our bodies to function.
With amilk allergy, the immune system mistakenly thinks one of these proteins is a threat to the body and works to fight it off. This can trigger unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms, and sometimes even skin or respiratory symptoms.
While people with a whey allergy can often tolerate baked versions of milk, such as baked cheese, people with a casein allergy react even to baked versions of milk and cheese.
It’s important to note that a milk allergy differs fromlactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is when the body cannot digest lactose, the primary sugar found in milk and dairy products. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not produce enough of the enzymelactase, which is needed to digest lactose.
Tomato Allergy
Oral allergy syndrome (OAS), which causes symptoms such as itching of the mouth and lips. OAS is the result of an allergy to certain types of pollen. For instance, some proteins found in grass pollen are similar to proteins in tomatoes, so people who are allergic to grass may react to tomatoes.
Some people have what is known ashistamine intolerance. With this condition, the body typically has problems producing enzymes responsible for breaking down histamine, notably the enzymediamine oxidase.Because of this, histamine can build up in the body and cause symptoms, especially when foods containing high amounts of it are consumed.
However, a more common reaction to tomatoes is what’s known asoral allergy syndrome (OAS), which causes symptoms such as itching of the mouth and lips. OAS is the result of an allergy to certain types of pollen. For instance, some proteins found in grass pollen are similar to proteins in tomatoes, so people who are allergic to grass may have a reaction to tomatoes.
Yeast Allergy
Pizza dough usually contains yeast. There are differences in opinion among experts about whether it is possible to have a true yeast allergy.
Some experts believe that people can be allergic to specific proteins found in yeast, but others argue that there is a lack of scientific research in this area to support this claim.
Moreover, it’s also possible that those believed to be allergic to yeast may have an intolerance or sensitivity to it instead, in which their body is unable to digest it adequately, causing adverse reactions.
Egg AllergyWhile pizza dough often does not contain egg, sometimes egg is included. Egg galleries are one of the more common food allergies in children.If you or your child areallergic to eggs, you will need to check ingredient lists or enquire at the restaurant as to whether their dough contains eggs.
Egg Allergy
While pizza dough often does not contain egg, sometimes egg is included. Egg galleries are one of the more common food allergies in children.If you or your child areallergic to eggs, you will need to check ingredient lists or enquire at the restaurant as to whether their dough contains eggs.
Wheat Allergy
Wheat allergyis more common in children than in adults.Pizza crust is typically made with wheat flour. However, as gluten-free options are becoming more available, you may be able to find wheat-free crust.
Wheat allergy differs fromceliac disease, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system reacts to gluten protein, which is found in wheat and some other grains.
Signs and Symptoms of a Food Allergy
Symptoms of a food allergy can differ from person to person, but common ones include:
While digestive symptoms could be part of a food allergy, isolated digestive symptoms are more consistent with a food intolerance.
A more serious symptom of a food allergy is known asanaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe type of allergic reaction that can progress to anaphylactic shock and even death.
Anaphylaxis symptoms include swelling of the face, throat, or other parts of the body, as well as wheezing, confusion, weakness, shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness.
As pizza commonly contains casein, tomato, and yeast, it’s important to know that there are substitutes for ingredients that include these allergens.
If you have a casein allergy, opt fornon-dairy cheese optionssuch as soy cheese. Ordering pizza without cheese but with your other favorite toppings is also an option.
Sometimes, especially with processed foods, allergens may be included as preservatives or flavorings. Be sure to read food labels to make sure a food doesn’t contain any ingredients that are problematic for you, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about menu items at restaurants.
When it comes to allergies, you should also be aware of the potential risk ofcross-contamination. When ordering pizza from a restaurant, make them aware of your allergies and ask them about how the pizza you are interested in is made.
If the kitchen stores your chosen toppings close to other ingredients that contain allergens, there is a risk of exposure. And if cooks handle ingredients with allergens, then handle your toppings without first changing their gloves, there is also a risk.
When to Seek Treatment for an Allergic Reaction
Over-the-counterantihistaminessuch asBenadrylcan treat mild allergic reactions with symptoms such as itchy eyes and nasal congestion.If such symptoms are too bothersome or don’t get better, talk with your doctor to discuss the next steps for treatment.
Symptoms like low blood pressure, weak pulse, swollen lips, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, and sudden weakness are signs of anaphylaxis and require emergency treatment. Use anEpiPen, if one is available, and get to the emergency room as quickly as possible.
A Word from Verywell
Frequently Asked QuestionsPizza allergy symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to days. Sometimes, a second wave of allergy symptoms can occur hours after symptoms of an initial reaction have stopped. This is known as a biphasic reaction.The first signs that you’re allergic to pizza can vary. Typically, symptoms such as swelling of the lips or eyelids, skin rashes, or itchy mouth or skin develop within two hours of eating.Pizza allergens such as casein, tomatoes, or yeast may cause itchy skin. However, symptoms other than itchy skin can occur, such as itchy or watery eyes.
Pizza allergy symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to days. Sometimes, a second wave of allergy symptoms can occur hours after symptoms of an initial reaction have stopped. This is known as a biphasic reaction.
The first signs that you’re allergic to pizza can vary. Typically, symptoms such as swelling of the lips or eyelids, skin rashes, or itchy mouth or skin develop within two hours of eating.
Pizza allergens such as casein, tomatoes, or yeast may cause itchy skin. However, symptoms other than itchy skin can occur, such as itchy or watery eyes.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Daily News.That’s a lot of dough! Average American eats more than 6,000 slices of pizza in a lifetime: survey.Michaud B, Aroulandom J, Baiz N, et al.Casein-specific IL-4- and IL-13-secreting T cells: a tool to implement diagnosis of cow’s milk allergy.Allergy. 2014;69(11):1473-1480. doi:10.1111/all.12484American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Milk allergy.Flom JD, Sicherer SH.Epidemiology of cow’s milk allergy.Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1051. doi:10.3390/nu11051051Rangel AH, Sales DC, Urbano SA, Galvão JG Jr, Andrade Neto JC, Macêdo CS.Lactose intolerance and cow’s milk protein allergy.Food Sci Technol. 2016;36(2):179-187. doi:10.1590/1678-457X.0019Comas-Basté O, Sánchez-Pérez S, Veciana-Nogués MT, Latorre-Moratalla M, Vidal-Carou MDC.Histamine intolerance: the current state of the art.Biomolecules. 2020;10(8):1181. doi:10.3390/biom10081181American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Oral allergy syndrome (OAS).Cunningham E.Is there a diet for “yeast allergy”?J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013;113(3):484. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2013.01.013American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Egg.Cianferoni A.Wheat allergy: diagnosis and management.J Asthma Allergy. 2016;9:13-25. doi:10.2147/JAA.S81550MedlinePlus.Food allergy.MedlinePlus.Anaphylaxis.Pourmand A, Robinson C, Syed W, Mazer-Amirshahi M.Biphasic anaphylaxis: a review of the literature and implications for emergency management.Am J Emerg Med. 2018;36(8):1480-1485. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2018.05.009Cleveland Clinic.Food allergies.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Daily News.That’s a lot of dough! Average American eats more than 6,000 slices of pizza in a lifetime: survey.Michaud B, Aroulandom J, Baiz N, et al.Casein-specific IL-4- and IL-13-secreting T cells: a tool to implement diagnosis of cow’s milk allergy.Allergy. 2014;69(11):1473-1480. doi:10.1111/all.12484American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Milk allergy.Flom JD, Sicherer SH.Epidemiology of cow’s milk allergy.Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1051. doi:10.3390/nu11051051Rangel AH, Sales DC, Urbano SA, Galvão JG Jr, Andrade Neto JC, Macêdo CS.Lactose intolerance and cow’s milk protein allergy.Food Sci Technol. 2016;36(2):179-187. doi:10.1590/1678-457X.0019Comas-Basté O, Sánchez-Pérez S, Veciana-Nogués MT, Latorre-Moratalla M, Vidal-Carou MDC.Histamine intolerance: the current state of the art.Biomolecules. 2020;10(8):1181. doi:10.3390/biom10081181American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Oral allergy syndrome (OAS).Cunningham E.Is there a diet for “yeast allergy”?J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013;113(3):484. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2013.01.013American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Egg.Cianferoni A.Wheat allergy: diagnosis and management.J Asthma Allergy. 2016;9:13-25. doi:10.2147/JAA.S81550MedlinePlus.Food allergy.MedlinePlus.Anaphylaxis.Pourmand A, Robinson C, Syed W, Mazer-Amirshahi M.Biphasic anaphylaxis: a review of the literature and implications for emergency management.Am J Emerg Med. 2018;36(8):1480-1485. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2018.05.009Cleveland Clinic.Food allergies.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Daily News.That’s a lot of dough! Average American eats more than 6,000 slices of pizza in a lifetime: survey.Michaud B, Aroulandom J, Baiz N, et al.Casein-specific IL-4- and IL-13-secreting T cells: a tool to implement diagnosis of cow’s milk allergy.Allergy. 2014;69(11):1473-1480. doi:10.1111/all.12484American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Milk allergy.Flom JD, Sicherer SH.Epidemiology of cow’s milk allergy.Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1051. doi:10.3390/nu11051051Rangel AH, Sales DC, Urbano SA, Galvão JG Jr, Andrade Neto JC, Macêdo CS.Lactose intolerance and cow’s milk protein allergy.Food Sci Technol. 2016;36(2):179-187. doi:10.1590/1678-457X.0019Comas-Basté O, Sánchez-Pérez S, Veciana-Nogués MT, Latorre-Moratalla M, Vidal-Carou MDC.Histamine intolerance: the current state of the art.Biomolecules. 2020;10(8):1181. doi:10.3390/biom10081181American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Oral allergy syndrome (OAS).Cunningham E.Is there a diet for “yeast allergy”?J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013;113(3):484. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2013.01.013American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Egg.Cianferoni A.Wheat allergy: diagnosis and management.J Asthma Allergy. 2016;9:13-25. doi:10.2147/JAA.S81550MedlinePlus.Food allergy.MedlinePlus.Anaphylaxis.Pourmand A, Robinson C, Syed W, Mazer-Amirshahi M.Biphasic anaphylaxis: a review of the literature and implications for emergency management.Am J Emerg Med. 2018;36(8):1480-1485. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2018.05.009Cleveland Clinic.Food allergies.
Daily News.That’s a lot of dough! Average American eats more than 6,000 slices of pizza in a lifetime: survey.
Michaud B, Aroulandom J, Baiz N, et al.Casein-specific IL-4- and IL-13-secreting T cells: a tool to implement diagnosis of cow’s milk allergy.Allergy. 2014;69(11):1473-1480. doi:10.1111/all.12484
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Milk allergy.
Flom JD, Sicherer SH.Epidemiology of cow’s milk allergy.Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1051. doi:10.3390/nu11051051
Rangel AH, Sales DC, Urbano SA, Galvão JG Jr, Andrade Neto JC, Macêdo CS.Lactose intolerance and cow’s milk protein allergy.Food Sci Technol. 2016;36(2):179-187. doi:10.1590/1678-457X.0019
Comas-Basté O, Sánchez-Pérez S, Veciana-Nogués MT, Latorre-Moratalla M, Vidal-Carou MDC.Histamine intolerance: the current state of the art.Biomolecules. 2020;10(8):1181. doi:10.3390/biom10081181
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Oral allergy syndrome (OAS).
Cunningham E.Is there a diet for “yeast allergy”?J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013;113(3):484. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2013.01.013
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Egg.
Cianferoni A.Wheat allergy: diagnosis and management.J Asthma Allergy. 2016;9:13-25. doi:10.2147/JAA.S81550
MedlinePlus.Food allergy.
MedlinePlus.Anaphylaxis.
Pourmand A, Robinson C, Syed W, Mazer-Amirshahi M.Biphasic anaphylaxis: a review of the literature and implications for emergency management.Am J Emerg Med. 2018;36(8):1480-1485. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2018.05.009
Cleveland Clinic.Food allergies.
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