Video: Woman Says She 'Almost Died' Because People Chewed Mint Gum Or Breathed Near Her When They'd Just Brushed Their Teeth
Kylie DiGiovanni, 25, from Virginia, said she “almost died” because of a rare allergy that makes it difficult for her to be around people who chew mint gum or have just brushed their teeth.
A Virginia archaeologist with a peppermint allergy has revealed her reaction was so severe she needed hospitalisation after a stranger smelled 'toothpaste aroma' from three feet away.
Kylie DiGiovanni, 25, from York, Virginia, found brushing her teeth unpleasant from an early age, but her family initially assumed she was just “being picky”, she told news agency SWNS.
When DiGiovanni began telling her family that her toothpaste “burned” and when she developed red rashes in her mouth at age 10, she went to see a doctor.
Tests have confirmed that DiGiovanni is allergic to mint. She also has reactions to lavender, rosemary and thyme.
DiGiovanni noted that she was unable to brush her teeth for two years while her family searched for a menthol-free toothpaste. She currently uses a blue raspberry-flavored fluoride-based children's toothpaste.
Virginia archaeologist Kylie DiGiovanni, 25, is now beaming after finding menthol-free toothpaste. (Kylie DiGiovanni/SWNS)
Over time, her allergies seem to have gotten worse – to the point where she can't stand to be around people chewing gum or cough drops.
She said she was hospitalized 12 times last year, including one in November when a co-worker using mint toothpaste accidentally breathed on her.
DiGiovanni said she always carries an oral medication with her to prevent anaphylactic shock.
“They can fix me quickly,” she said, referring to the medical workers. “I stayed there for a couple of hours. They give me antihistamine and adrenaline.”
“There are reasons why I walk everywhere. If I'm on the train, I wear a mask.”
She said this made travelling on public transport “like playing Russian roulette with five bullets in the chamber”.
“There are reasons why I walk everywhere,” DiGiovanni said. “If I take the train, I wear a mask.”
DiGiovanni's allergies appear to have worsened over time; she can't be around people, gum or cough drops. (Kylie DiGiovanni/SWNS)
What You Need to Know About Peppermint Allergy
Dr. Nita Ogden, an allergist and immunologist in Edison, New Jersey, told Fox News Digital that while such allergies are rare, they do exist.
“Allergies are a weird thing,” said Ogden, who is not involved in DiGiovanni's treatment.
“You can definitely find stories where you think, ‘Hmm, I’ve never heard of that.’ And it’s hard to believe, but those cases do happen.”
According to Healthline, allergic reactions to mint can range from “minor to severe and potentially life-threatening.”
“It’s hard to believe, but such cases do occur.”
The most common symptoms may include tingling or itching in the mouth, swelling of the lips and tongue, swelling and itching of the throat, as well as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Some people may also experience skin irritation due to contact dermatitis, which may cause redness, itching, swelling, soreness, blisters and/or hives as indicated in the package insert.
Sourse: www.foxnews.com
