Food allergies are common, but they are also the ones that can easily be prevented. However, the case of corn allergy seems difficult to manage due to the number of products derived from corn and corn products.

Mechanism of the allergic reaction

Corn allergy is mainly attributed to plant lipid proteins present in corn. The protein can survive even in cooking and processing, hence, even utensils used in preparation of corn products may carry the protein and inflict an allergic reaction. Allergies to corn may go unnoticed because of its prevalence in a high number of foods. Like most food allergies, a corn allergy is caused by an antigen-antibody reaction between the food proteins, which, in this case is plant lipid proteins, and IgE antibodies that have been sensitized to the allergen.
Symptoms may range from:

• skin rash
• hives
• facial and mucosal swelling especially the tongue and trachea
• headache
• joint pains and swelling
• stomachache
• vomiting
• asthma
• and even anaphylaxis.

What Your Doctor Can Do For You

Anaphylactic shock is one of the dangerous consequences of corn allergy which is why it is important to have yourself diagnosed by an allergist.  Allergy testing would include skin prick tests, blood tests, and RAST. A more confirmatory testing would be a food elimination challenge wherein the potential allergen will be eliminated from the diet for a certain period of time (commonly 2 weeks) and observe whether there is a change in symptoms.
Once confirmed, the patient will be advised to avoid the allergen at all costs, especially those who have had severe reactions. Antihistamines and other allergy medication may help alleviate the symptoms. EpiPen (epinephrine) must be carried always as prescribed.

What You Can Do

People who are diagnosed with corn or maize allergy must adhere to a corn-free diet to prevent the occurrence of an allergic reaction. But because corn is usually used as an additive to many food products, it would be necessary to check the packages first for the presence of one or more of the following common ingredients:

• acetic acid
• bleached flour
• caramel coloring
• citric acid
• corn syrup
• corn oil
• corn meal
• cornstarch
• corn sugars
• dextrose
• fructose
• vegetable oils

Allergens may be hidden in other foods therefore, it is essential to take precautionary steps and prepare an emergency kit always with you.