08/23/2025
Does your child complain of an itchy mouth, tongue, or throat when they eat certain raw fruits and veggies? It could be Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), also called Pollen-Food Syndrome (PFAS).
https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/understanding-oral-allergy-syndrome
The pollens of some trees, grasses, and weeds are similar to the proteins of certain raw fruits, vegetables, seeds, or nuts. These food proteins cross-react and cause localized symptoms in the mouth or throat. Symptoms can be worse during the times when the pollen you are allergic to is highest - like now during ragweed season.
OAS/PFAS can cause symptoms such as an itchy or tingling mouth, face, tongue, or throat. There can be some mouth and throat swelling or hives where the food touches the skin. Rarely, OAS can trigger anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction, so it is important to know if you have OAS or a food allergy and how to treat it. Make an appointment with your child’s allergist if they are having allergy symptoms after eating foods.
