09/07/2025
⭐️ When you have a pollen allergy your mouth and throat can become itchy and swollen if you eat certain fruits-this happens in up to 50 to 75% of adults allergic to birch tree pollen. This reaction occurs because the proteins found in some fruits and vegetables are very similar to those found in pollen. These proteins can confuse the immune system and cause an allergic reaction, which is referred to as cross-reactivity. In the case of pollen and foods, the result of cross-reactivity is called Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)
⭐️ OAS is a form of a contact allergic reaction that occurs upon contact of the mouth and throat with raw fruits or vegetables. The most frequent symptoms of OAS include itchiness or swelling of the mouth, face, lip, tongue and throat.
⭐️ Symptoms usually appear immediately after eating raw fruits or vegetables, although in rare cases, the reaction can occur more than an hour later.
⭐️ OAS is generally considered to be a mild form of food allergy BUT can cause severe throat swelling leading to difficulty swallowing or breathing
⭐️ If you are allergic to birch tree pollen you may have reactions triggered by pitted fruit or carrot. Even peanuts, almond, and hazelnut may cause mouth itching in those with birch pollen allergy
⭐️ How to manage OAS symptoms
• Avoid eating these trigger foods RAW, especially during allergy season because in many patients, OAS worsens during the pollen season of the pollen in question.
• To reduce cross-reactions with food bake or microwave the food because high temperatures break down the proteins responsible
• Eating canned food may also limit the reaction.
• peeling the food before eating may be helpful, as the offending protein is often concentrated in the skin
Do you or anyone you know have this? Please share ❤️
