Oral Allergy Syndrome
Oral allergy syndrome is caused by an overactive immune system, which treats proteins found in fruits, vegetables, seeds, spices, and nuts similarly to those found in pollen. This is known as cross-reactivity. Sometimes foods in the same botanical family also will cause reactions. For example, a person will react to both potatoes and carrots.
Symptoms of oral allergy syndrome include itching or swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat and irritation of the gums, eyes, or nose. Gastrointestinal upset also may occur. These symptoms usually happen within minutes of eating the causative food. Handling the offending food also can lead to rash, itching, or swelling.
A person who is suspected of having oral allergy syndrome often will have a skin prick test. Some people will have a mainly oral allergy, or it sometimes is more serious, requiring the person to carry epinephrine with them. It is estimated that about 2% of individuals with oral allergy syndrome could progress to anaphylactic shock. Some individuals with oral allergy syndrome benefit from using antihistamines and receiving immunotherapy to the pollen.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), up to one third of people with pollen allergy have oral allergy syndrome. Oral allergy syndrome tends to develop over time, often not appearing until a person is in their 20s or 30s.
If you have oral allergy syndrome, cooking foods might help to reduce symptoms, as will peeling fruits or choosing canned varieties. For some people, freshly picked fruit, such as apples, will not cause as much allergic reaction as a very ripe fruit or one that is stored for several weeks following harvest. In addition, some brands of fruit, such as apples, may cause more allergic reactions than others. You should completely exclude nuts, which cause oral allergy syndrome, from your diet, because they carry a higher risk of severe reactions.
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Environmental Allergy |
Common Food Reactions |
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Ragweed |
Honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, bananas, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, sunflower seeds, dandelions, chamomile tea, and echinacea |
|
Birch pollen |
Kiwi, apples, pears, peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums, prunes, cherries, coriander, fennel, parsley, celery, parsnips, potatoes, peppers, carrots, hazelnuts, almonds, and walnuts |
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Grass |
Peaches, celery, tomatoes, melons, and oranges |
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Latex rubber |
Bananas, avocados, kiwi, chestnuts, and papaya |
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Mugwort |
Celery, apples, kiwi, peanuts, fennel, carrots, parsley, coriander, sunflower seeds, and peppers |
|
Alder |
Celery, pears, apples, almonds, cherries, hazelnuts, peaches, and parsley |
References and recommended readings
Osterweil N. Foods that may worsen pollen allergies. Available at: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/oral-allergy-syndrome-foods. Accessed November 10, 2010.
Pong AH. Oral allergy syndrome. Available at:
http://www.calgaryallergy.ca/Articles/English/Oral_Food_Allergy.htm. Accessed November 10, 2010.
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Allergy clinical services: oral allergy syndrome. Available at: http://www.chop.edu/service/allergy/allergy-and-asthma-information/oral-allergy-syndrome.html. Accessed November 10, 2010.
Review Date 1/11
G-1482
