At the start of COVID, going to the hospital wasn’t an option. Like many people, I had to rely on telemedicine. When I suddenly developed fatigue, congestion, and trouble breathing, I was diagnosed with COVID—over the phone. But the reality? It wasn’t COVID at all—it was my citrus allergy.

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The Symptoms That Led to a Misdiagnosis
When I consumed oranges, I experienced:
✔️ Severe sinus congestion (I couldn’t breathe properly).
✔️ Fatigue and body weakness.
✔️ Brain fog and dizziness.
Since these were also common COVID symptoms, the doctors assumed I had the virus. They prescribed Z-Pak (antibiotics), inhalers, and rest. But after taking the medications, I didn’t feel any better.

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The Moment I Realized It Was an Allergy
A few days later, I noticed something: my symptoms only flared up after eating citrus-based foods. The orange juice I was drinking for “immunity” was actually making me worse. That’s when it hit me—this wasn’t COVID, it was an allergic reaction.
Citrus fruits, especially oranges, are high in histamines, which can trigger allergic reactions like congestion, headaches, and fatigue. Once I stopped eating citrus, my symptoms improved.

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The Science: Why Citrus Can Trigger Allergy-Like Reactions
Citrus contains histamines, which can cause immune responses like:
✔️ Sinus inflammation (stuffy nose, congestion).
✔️ Skin reactions (hives, rashes).
✔️ Fatigue and headaches.
For people with histamine intolerance or sensitivities, citrus can feel like an allergic reaction, even if it’s not a traditional food allergy.

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Takeaway: What to Do If You Suspect a Food-Related Reaction
If you experience allergy-like symptoms after eating a certain food, here’s what to do:
1️⃣ Stop eating the suspected food for a few days.
2️⃣ Track your symptoms—if they go away, it’s likely the food was the issue.
3️⃣ Test your reaction by reintroducing the food in small amounts.
4️⃣ Consider a histamine intolerance test if you react to multiple foods.
➡️ Next post: “My No-List: Pork, Legumes, Dairy & Histamine-Rich Foods.”