Lupin and products thereof
The lupin is well-known as a popular garden flower with its tall, colourful spikes. The seeds from certain lupin species are also cultivated as food. These are normally crushed to make lupin flour, which can be used in baked goods such as pastries, pies, pancakes and in pasta. Allergy to lupin has been recognised for some time in mainland Europe. In the UK, cases of lupin allergy are less frequent because lupin is less commonly used in foods.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a food allergy, including lupin allergy, may come on rapidly. Mild symptoms may include nettle rash (otherwise known as hives or urticaria) anywhere on the body, or a tingling or itchy feeling in the mouth. More serious symptoms are uncommon but remain a possibility for some people. These may include:
- Swelling in the throat or mouth
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe asthma
- Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
In extreme cases there could be a dramatic fall in blood pressure (anaphylactic shock). The person may become weak and floppy and may have a sense of something terrible happening. This may lead to collapse and unconsciousness.