If you suffer from a pollen allergy, there’s a chance that your mouth, lips or throat will start itching after eating certain fruits and vegetables. These symptoms are caused by a condition called oral allergy syndrome (OAS), and it affects people across Atlanta and beyond. This reaction is linked to hay fever, but there are additional factors to examine before you can treat the issue properly.
Oral Allergy Syndrome and Pollen Allergies
To defend the body from viruses and bacteria, the immune system targets proteins it believes are harmful and releases chemicals to defend itself. Due to the connection between proteins in pollen and in various types of fruit, vegetables and nuts, OAS is often referred to as pollen-food allergy.
Essentially, it’s the similarity in proteins in pollen and certain foods that is the cause of oral allergy syndrome. As a result, a hay fever sufferer (for example) may experience allergic symptoms when they consume apples, celery and other foods.
Why Food Allergy Testing Is Important for OAS
Treating oral allergy syndrome is easier when you can determine precisely which allergen is causing a reaction. Your allergist will usually perform skin prick testing – this may provide a diagnosis in as little as 15 minutes. In addition, when skin tests fail to provide a conclusive answer, blood testing may be used.
Skin prick testing is used to help diagnose allergies, with results being assessed alongside medical history and symptoms to confirm the diagnosis. As oral allergy syndrome is a cross-reactive allergy, the test will need to determine which pollen allergens you’re sensitive to. For example, if you have a ragweed allergy you may also experience a reaction after eating a banana, cucumber, melon or zucchini.
The testing procedure is necessary to diagnose a pollen allergy. However, skin prick or blood testing is also necessary to rule out allergies! So, if you have an allergy to a tree nut such as almonds or hazelnuts (for example), this could pose the risk of experiencing a severe, life-threatening reaction. Allergy testing can confirm whether you are allergic to one or more tree nuts, or if the underlying cause is a pollen allergy and the symptoms are caused by cross-reactivity.
OAS testing is also important to help manage and treat an allergy. With an accurate diagnosis, you will not need to restrict foods that pose no danger. You can eat a healthy, nutritious diet that limits access to a few very specific fruits, vegetables or nuts. After visiting your allergist for testing, you’ll also be armed with advice on how to manage OAS at home, school, work and restaurants.
How to Treat Oral Allergy Syndrome
Treating OAS requires a personalized treatment plan that addresses the needs of each patient. Whether you need to take measures to avoid exposure to certain foods, or want a more comprehensive desensitization approach, your allergist can help. Here are some of the best treatments for OAS.
Avoidance and Food Management
Avoiding certain foods and making dietary adjustments can be effective ways of reducing the risk of an allergic reaction. However, a cross-reactive allergy such as OAS may involve limiting the consumption of several foods. For example, if you are allergic to birch tree pollen, you could also have an allergic reaction to apples, apricots, cherries, peaches and plums.
Food Preparation
Taking additional steps when preparing foods that are often related to OAS can be part of an effective treatment, as a food’s protein composition can be changed. This process typically involves cooking the food or peeling the skin. Of course, not every type of fruit will be suitable for cooking, though popular vegetables like tomatoes and onions – common ingredients in many cooked dishes – can be.
Medication
Taking antihistamines immediately after experiencing the symptoms of OAS can offer some relief. Antihistamines are used to prevent the most severe symptoms of hay fever, as they literally block the histamine released by the immune system when it believes it is under attack. However, because medication can take time to take effect, the OAS sufferer may still have an itching or tingling sensation in the mouth or throat.
Medications Used for Oral Allergy Syndrome Treatment
Along with antihistamines, allergists may recommend alternative or complementary medications, including some of the following examples.
- Epinephrine Auto-Injectors – While OAS symptoms are usually mild and anaphylaxis is rare, an allergy doctor may advise carrying an epinephrine auto-injector. Epinephrine can rapidly reverse the life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis.
- Corticosteroids – In some cases, short-term use of oral corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce severe inflammation, especially if the reaction involves the throat.
- Topical Mouth Gels and Sprays – Various topical oral medications are available for reducing allergy symptoms. These products can be valuable when dealing with milder symptoms.
It’s important to consult an allergist to determine the best medication regimen for your specific symptoms and reactions.
Allergy Desensitization
Desensitization is a proven food allergy treatment, while also being used for hay fever, mold, dust and other allergies. Desensitization to allergens can be achieved using immunotherapy or allergy shots. OAS symptoms are not usually severe, and thus may not require an extended period of immunotherapy. However, your allergist can best advise you after assessing your symptoms and medical history.
Treating Oral Allergy Syndrome With Immunotherapy
The immunotherapy process involves gradually exposing the immune system to small amounts of allergens. Patients receive a series of allergy shots under careful supervision, ensuring safety at all times. As the exposure to pollen slowly increases, the immune system is able to build a tolerance. For a person with OAS, this means that interactions with fruits, vegetables and nuts are less likely to trigger a response.
Will Oral Allergy Syndrome Go Away?
As with all allergies, it is possible to outgrow OAS over time. Symptoms can often diminish if the underlying pollen allergies are well-managed through treatment. However, it’s also possible that sensitivity to fruits, vegetables and nuts will become more disruptive. Of course, the best approach is to follow an oral allergy syndrome treatment plan established by your allergist.
Contact Us for Oral Allergy Treatments in Atlanta
If you have suffered from an allergic reaction after eating fruits or vegetables, reach out to our team at the Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center. We treat a range of allergies at our locations in the Atlanta area. Call (678) 668-4688 or make an appointment today.
