Banana allergy is also known to occur in people who are not allergic to pollen or to natural rubber latex. This form of banana allergy is rare, but those affected are at much greater risk of a severe allergic reaction. The symptoms may affect not only the mouth and skin, but there may also be breathing difficulty and/or a drop in blood pressure which may lead to loss of consciousness.
These are the symptoms of anaphylaxis, a serious life-threatening allergic reaction. People who are at risk of anaphylaxis are usually prescribed adrenaline auto-injector devices, which must always be available and should be used as soon as a serious reaction is suspected.
We strongly advise anyone who suspects they or their child has a banana allergy to see their GP and request a referral to an NHS allergy clinic.