If you suffer from a pollen allergy and experience an allergic reaction to fruit, vegetables or nuts, there’s a good chance you have oral allergy syndrome (OAS). Also known as pollen-food allergy syndrome, this condition is caused by the similarity in proteins found in specific types of pollen and food. Treating OAS and preventing allergic reactions begins with your Atlanta allergist accurately identifying the foods that are triggering the immune system response.
The Main Foods That Cause Oral Allergy Syndrome
As a cross-reactive allergy, OAS is caused by the immune system reacting to proteins in fruits, vegetables or nuts. The immune system releases antibodies to deal with a perceived threat from pollen – and this leads to symptoms like itching, tingling or swelling around the mouth or throat. Let’s examine the main foods causing OAS and their cross-reactive pollen types.
Birch Pollen Allergy
- Fruits – apples, apricots, cherries, kiwis, nectarines, peaches, pears and plums.
- Vegetables – carrots, celery, parsley and potatoes.
- Nuts – almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts.
Grass Pollen Allergy
- Fruits – melons and tomatoes.
- Vegetables – celery and peas.
Ragweed Pollen Allergy
- Fruits – bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon and zucchini.
- Vegetables – cucumbers and bell peppers.
Alder Pollen Allergy
- Fruits – apples, cherries, pears and peaches.
- Nuts – almonds and hazelnuts.
Mugwort Pollen Allergy
- Vegetables – bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, garlic, onion and parsley.
- Fruits – apples, kiwi and peaches.
While this list offers an overview of oral allergy syndrome, an individual’s reactions can vary. A person might experience a response to a single food or to many foods, with symptoms usually occurring almost immediately after consumption.
How Food Preparation Affects Oral Allergy Syndrome
OAS symptoms are most likely to occur if a person eats raw fruit or vegetables. In contrast, when the food is cooked the chances of an allergic reaction are greatly reduced. So what’s the difference here? In brief, cooking the food physically changes the proteins. And consequently, the immune system will not detect a threat, and will not release antibodies in response.
Similarly, peeling the skin from a food item can also reduce the chances of a reaction. As a significant proportion of these cross-reactive proteins are located on or just beneath the skin, peeling a raw food can certainly help.
What Are the Best Oral Allergy Syndrome Treatments?
Managing OAS will usually begin with avoidance. Until you fully understand your allergy, it’s a good idea to stay away from the specific food or foods that seem to be causing the allergic response. Your allergist may recommend professional allergy testing to precisely identify what’s causing a reaction, so that good dietary decisions can be made.
If an allergy is causing discomfort or putting your health at risk, your allergist may advise taking antihistamines or undergoing allergen immunotherapy. These approaches tackle the root cause of the issue – pollen allergies – and minimize the chances of experiencing OAS symptoms.
Effective Oral Allergy Syndrome Treatment in Atlanta
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center is a leading provider of allergy testing and treatments. For help with oral allergy syndrome and other allergies, visit us in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth or Johns Creek. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
