Oral Allergy Syndrome
Experiencing a tingling or itching sensation after eating certain foods is not uncommon. And while a minor irritation doesn’t necessarily indicate an issue, persistent symptoms might require treatment for food allergies. At Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center, we help Atlanta patients better understand their allergies – including the more complex condition known as oral allergy syndrome.
What is OAS
OAS, also called pollen-food allergy, is not usually found in children. It can be developed later in life and can occur at any time of year. It is most common during the pollen season. While OAS is not actually a food allergy, it is a reaction to the remnants of weed or tree pollen found on fruits and vegetables. 60% of all food reactions in adults are caused by a cross-reaction between inhalative allergens and the foods we eat.
Your body’s immune system is able to identify specific proteins like viruses, bacteria, and harmful germs. OAS occurs when your body confuses pollen proteins as being harmful. Cooking foods will usually destroy allergenic proteins. The problem occurs when eating raw fruits and vegetables and the allergens are not destroyed by stomach acids.
Symptoms of OAS
Healthline explains that the symptoms of oral allergy syndrome can vary, but they are usually concentrated in the mouth area. The symptoms may include:
- Tingling and itching on the roof of your mouth or tongue
- Swelling of the lips
- Scratchy throat
- Shortness of breath
- Hives
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Nasal congestion and sneezing
If you have allergies to grass, birch, or ragweed pollen, you are more likely to suffer from OAS according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Only 9% of people who suffer from this syndrome have severe reactions that require medical treatment. If you do have a reaction that extends beyond the mouth area, you should seek medical attention.
Foods Associated With OAS
Fruits
- Apples, pears, plums, nectarines, peaches, apricots, cherries
- Bananas, mangoes, kiwis, strawberries, raspberries, oranges
- Figs, avocados, and melons
Vegetables
- Nightshade vegetables: potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant
- Squash: pumpkins, butternut, zucchini
- Corn, peas, lettuce, artichokes, cucumbers
- Celery, carrots, cilantro, cumin, dill, fennel, chervil
Other foods
- Walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, almonds
- Wheat, soy
- Chickpeas, lentils, sunflower seeds, honey
Diagnosis and Treatment
Medical News Today suggests clinical methods are the most common in diagnosing OAS. A comprehensive patient history can reveal a link between identifying the specific foods that trigger tingling and swelling.
Laboratory tests can involve skin testing, prick test, or a scratch test. Your doctor will mark out a grid on the forearm and introduce extracts from fruits, pollens, and vegetables. After 15 minutes, the area is checked to see if there is any reaction. In severe cases, blood tests can be used to diagnose allergies. Allergy testing is part of a practical diagnostic approach that’s used in combination with analysis of a person’s symptoms and medical history.
Ongoing Management of Oral Allergy Syndrome
OAS is a common condition that many people do not know they have. People with pollen allergies often do not tolerate certain foods. They have not made the connection between eating those foods and their allergies. Those with known allergies to pollen are more susceptible to OAS.
If symptoms like tingling and swelling occur in your mouth when you are eating certain foods, especially raw fruits and vegetables, you may have OAS. You can try cooking those foods, but you may have to avoid them altogether. If more severe symptoms occur, you should seek medical help.
As OAS symptoms are often mild and sporadic (depending on pollen levels), many people simply choose to make dietary adjustments. For those with more severe symptoms, medication may prove more effective. Fortunately, with a range of allergy treatment options, your allergist can identify the most appropriate strategy that leads to a better quality of life.
Common Questions About Oral Allergy Syndrome
Is there a cure for oral allergy syndrome?
There is no cure for OAS, but symptoms can be managed using avoidance, medication or immunotherapy. Consulting an allergist will ensure that a patient receives a personalized treatment plan.
What medications are used to treat oral allergy syndrome?
Antihistamines are commonly used to alleviate mild OAS symptoms. An allergist may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector to be prepared for possible severe allergy symptoms.
Can allergy shots prevent oral allergy syndrome symptoms?
Yes. Allergy shots (or immunotherapy) gradually desensitize a person to pollen allergens. When the immune system can tolerate exposure to pollen, the patient is less likely to experience a cross-reactive response to fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Contact Us for Oral Allergy Syndrome Treatments in the Atlanta Area
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center offers allergy testing and treatment services at locations in the Atlanta area. If you would like to discuss oral allergy syndrome or other types of allergies, speak with our team today. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.
