Order this Green Pepper Allergy test to measure the IgE antibody levels in a blood sample to detect a food allergy to green peppers. Green peppers are dried fruit of the Piperaceae (Pepper) family with origins in India. Green peppers are grown globally, with India, Vietnam, and Indonesia as leading producers. Green peppers are used as a seasoning or spice mix to add a mildly spicy flavor to certain seafood and meat dishes. Many people believe these peppers are vegetables; however, they are a fruit produced from a flowering vine, with each pepper containing a single seed. Other plants in the pepper family include black pepper, white pepper, and pink peppercorn.
Green peppers are rich in vitamins (C & K), minerals (iron), and antioxidants. Green peppers also have several health benefits, such as boosting digestive health and reducing cancer risk. Due to their many health benefits, green peppers are an essential ingredient in food products and dishes, including:
- Brines, pickling seasonings, and marinades
- Certain meat dishes (pepper steak)
- Certain seafood dishes
- French cuisine
- Salads
- Sauces, salsas, and condiments (mustard)
- Southeast Asian cuisine
- Vegetable dishes
An allergy to spices like green peppers is uncommon. However, hypersensitive individuals eating dishes containing green peppers may experience mild to moderate allergic symptoms. The peppers may activate an individual's immune system response to produce IgE antibodies to combat the foreign substance. Unfortunately, these antibodies cause the chemical histamine to be released, which causes 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 green peppers 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 may 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
Test Code(s):
602760, 2931
Also Known As:
Green peppercorn; Piper nigrum
Preparation:
No special preparation is required.
Test Results:
3-5 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
