Managing Your Allergy

The most important step to managing your symptoms is talking to your doctor!

The next step is figuring out how to alter your diet and environment in order to avoid exposure to citric acid. You’ll find some great starter information on this site, but keep in mind that every person is different! It will take awhile to figure out what your body can and can’t tolerate; be patient, and be sure to keep a thorough food diary to make the process easier.

Even when you figure out what to avoid, it is highly likely you’ll have some accidental exposures. Below you will find a list of non-medical remedies that your fellow lemon ninjas-in-training have found helpful in speeding up recovery time. Please consult with your doctor before trying any of these remedies. They are not medically supported and are not a replacement for professional medical treatment or advice. Do not try any remedies that may worsen other conditions (for example, don’t consume sweet foods or drinks if you are diabetic).

Reactions to citric acid can be serious
and even life-threatening.

If you are having a reaction that may become serious or life-threatening, seek immediate medical attention.

General:

  • Extra sleep
  • Direct sun exposure
  • Plenty of fluids
  • Extra (citric acid-free) vitamin C
  • Vitamin B5
  • Avoidance of other allergic triggers
  • Benadryl (not the liquid kind!)
  • High sugar intake

Dermal:

  • Oatmeal baths
  • Apply any of the following to affected area:
    • Hydrocortisone
    • Aloe
    • Chamomile tea
    • Sugar water

Gastrointestinal:

  • Gas-X®
  • Sweet foods or drinks
  • Chamomile tea
  • Slippery elm tea
  • Acupressure
  • Metamucil (WARNING: Metamucil contains citric acid. However, it may do more good than harm for some ninjas with higher tolerance.)

Neurological:

  • Avoidance of physical activity
  • Avoidance of mentally draining tasks
  • Oxygen (if you have a prescription for it)
  • Soy-free chocolate

Ocular:

  • Similasan brand eyedrops
  • Eye rest
  • Sunglasses for light sensitivity

Respiratory:

  • Oxygen
  • Albuterol (if prescribed for asthma)
  • Acupressure
  • Caffeine