Oral Food Allergy Syndrome
Oral allergy syndrome, also known as pollen-food syndrome, is caused by cross-reacting allergens found in both pollen and raw fruits, vegetables, or some tree nuts. The immune system recognizes the pollen and similar proteins in the food and directs an allergic response to it. Symptoms of oral allergy syndrome include itchy mouth, scratchy throat, or swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat. Itchy ears are sometimes reported. If you or your child experience a reaction beyond the mouth area after eating a fresh fruit or raw vegetable, that food could be considered a risk for anaphylaxis, a serious reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. In one study, researchers found that oral allergy syndrome symptoms may progress to systemic symptoms in nearly 9 percent of patients and to anaphylactic shock in 1.7 percent of patients. Consult with your allergist for more information and to determine whether you should carry an epinephrine auto-injector to treat such potential severe reactions.
Foods that Cause Oral Food Allergy Syndrome
