Allergic to duck?

[goblueM]

So I was in complete denial but tonight I'm thinking I may be.

This spring was the first time (that I can remember) I had a significant quantity of duck. I've eaten tons of goose, but not much duck. So my eye gets itchy and then swells up, along with half my face. I figure it was from a chili pepper I got in my eye when I scratched it.

Fast forward to tonight, when I ate the first duck of the year. Eye gets itchy (same eye), i wash my hands, then scratch it just a tiny bit. Voila! Now my eye is swelling up. Is this just a crazy coincidence or am I allergic to duck?

What a tragedy that would be... I can't understand how I couldn't be allergic to goose but would be to duck, but hey I guess you never know

[cutter08]

Are you allergic to any other food? Like any type of grain?

[goblueM]

Not that i've found. I am not allergic to anything other than penicilin. Its so weird. I've had duck twice and both times my right eye was a bit itchy and then started to get pretty swollen.

Small sample size, but I'm paranoid now. Especially since the reactions tend to get worse (although this incident isnt bad, yet)

[Chef]

I'd go get tested at the Doc's...

[NR]

If I were you, I would start the grill, slice up a duck breast, and grill it with absolutely no seasoning or marinade to your preferred done-ness (I like medium-rare) and give it a try. Don't drink anything other than whatever you normally drink. Wash your hands before and after preparation.

Seems strange to me, I would guess there is something else going on, but who knows.

You could call a Dr. and then get referred to an allergy specialist, etc, but they probably wouldn't understand . . .

Report back and let us know.

[bobbymalone]

Allergic reactions from something you ate wouldn't manifest themselves as an swollen, itchy eye. Especially just one itchy eye. Food allergies generally cause swelling in the mouth and throat, abdominal discomfort, and hives.

You may be allergic to something, but whatever it is it's going into your eye directly. I think the duck is just a coincidence.