From Pickles to Panic: Woman’s Allergic Reaction Sends Her to the ER

Then, her entire face began to swell. Concerned about the possibility of having an allergic reaction to something she ate, Nicole went to the hospital.

Doctors were unable to pinpoint the cause of the swelling but told her it was likely a one-time reaction, the content creator told People Magazine.

“I’m a huge pickle lover, and I’ve been looking forward to Picklesburgh for years because I couldn’t attend in the past,” she explained.

“I was planning to make a video about the event because I love pickles, but the whole situation took a turn when I ended up in the hospital.”

Nicole shared her reaction on TikTok, highlighting the contrast between what her face looked like before and after Picklesburgh.

The video, which has been viewed over 24 million times, piqued viewers’ curiosity. One user wrote, “You need to tell us if it was an allergy or sodium overload.”

“You got yourself in a pickle,” another joked.

“What sodium overload? How am I not dead?” somebody else asked.

“The sodium overload diagnosis from the internet physicians is crazy,” another added.

“I’m allergic to pickles, too, well, actually everything that has vinegar in it,” a separate netizen shared.

“Reading the comments from viewers made me realize everyone on TikTok thinks they’re a doctor,” she expressed.

Virtually any food can cause true allergies, including pickled fruits or vegetables, Dr. Maria Garcia-Lloret, who works in the Division of Pediatric Allergy and at UCLA School of Medicine, told Bored Panda via email.

“Cucumber is a recognized food allergen. Not a very common occurrence but still real,” Dr. Garcia-Lloret explained.

However, swelling after consuming a certain food isn’t necessarily an indicator of a food allergy. “Adverse food reactions are not always ‘allergic’, in other words, an individual can experience symptoms that include swelling or itchiness of the mouth  or abdominal pain for reasons that have more to do with the characteristics of the food  (alcohol, capsaicin, anisakis, etc) than with an allergic reaction.

“Treatment starts by identifying whether this was a true allergic reaction (IgE mediated). In that case, antihistamines are the first line of treatment for mild reactions . In more severe cases, epinephrine may be needed to halt the progression to anaphylaxis [a life-threatening allergic reaction that blocks your breathing].”

Following the unexpected reaction, Nicole said she continued to consume pickles. Around Halloween, she reportedly experienced another reaction.

The pickle lover has an appointment scheduled with an allergist in January, hoping to gain clarity on whether she’ll be able to continue eating one of her favorite snacks.

Avoiding Unfamiliar Foods: Be cautious with dishes containing unknown or multiple new ingredients.

Over-the-counter medications like diphenhydramine can mitigate mild allergic reactions.

Test for food sensitivities with an allergist if you're prone to allergic reactions.

Ingredients in pickle-themed dishes, like spices, preservatives, or flavorings, may have triggered an allergic reaction.

Pickled foods are high in histamines, which can cause allergic-like symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Commonly mistaken for a stye.

Symptoms escalated, spreading across the face.

Reduce facial swelling using cold packs.

ER staff can assess and provide immediate treatment for severe allergic reactions.

In extreme cases, doctors may administer an epinephrine injection to halt the reaction.

• benefits: A natural flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. It helps stabilize mast cells, reducing the release of histamine.
• Dosage: 500-1000 mg daily, preferably with meals.
• Precaution: Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding unless approved by a doctor.

• Benefits: A powerful antioxidant that reduces histamine levels and supports the immune system.
• Dosage: 500-2000 mg daily in divided doses.
• Precaution: High doses may cause digestive upset; adjust accordingly.

• Benefits: Reduces inflammation and strengthens cell membranes, improving the body's ability to handle allergens.
• Dosage: 1000-3000 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily.
• Precaution: Avoid if allergic to fish or on blood-thinning medication without medical advice.

• Benefits: Enhances gut health, which plays a crucial role in modulating immune responses to allergens.
• Recommended Strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis.
• Dosage: At least 5 billion CFUs daily.
• Precaution: Choose high-quality probiotics stored appropriately for potency.

• Benefits: An enzyme found in pineapple, it helps reduce swelling and improve sinus symptoms.
• Dosage: 200-400 mg daily between meals.
• Precaution: Avoid if allergic to pineapple or taking blood thinners.

• Benefits: Helps relax airways, reduce inflammation, and supports overall immune health.
• Dosage: 200-400 mg daily.
• Precaution: High doses can cause diarrhea; start low and increase gradually.

• Benefits: Reduces mucus buildup, supports respiratory health, and acts as an antioxidant.
• Dosage: 600-1200 mg daily.
• Precaution: Consult a doctor if you have asthma or other respiratory issues.

• Benefits: A nutrient-rich algae that can help reduce histamine release and inflammation.
• Dosage: 1-3 grams daily.
• Precaution: Choose high-quality spirulina free of contaminants.

• Benefits: Regulates immune function and reduces inflammation.
• Dosage: 1000-4000 IU daily or as recommended after testing levels.
• Precaution: Excessive vitamin D can lead to toxicity; test your levels first.

• Benefits: An anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help reduce swelling and allergic responses.
• Dosage: 500-1000 mg of curcumin daily, with black pepper for enhanced absorption.
• Precaution: May interfere with anticoagulant medications.