You may be allergic to fresh fruit because of a condition called Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS), also known as oral allergy syndrome.
Understanding Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS)
PFAS is a type of food allergy triggered by a cross-reaction between pollen and certain raw fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts. The immune system mistakes proteins in these foods for pollen proteins, leading to an allergic reaction.
How Does PFAS Work?
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Pollen Sensitization: You first become allergic to a specific type of pollen (e.g., birch, ragweed, grass).
- Cross-Reactivity: The proteins in certain raw fruits, vegetables, or nuts are structurally similar to the pollen proteins you're allergic to. The immune system recognizes these similarities.
- Allergic Reaction: When you eat these raw foods, your immune system reacts as if it's encountering pollen again, causing an allergic reaction. The reaction is generally localized to the mouth and throat.
Symptoms of PFAS
Common symptoms of PFAS include:
- Itching or tingling of the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
- Mild swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
Symptoms are usually mild and short-lived because the proteins are broken down by stomach acid. Cooking the fruit or vegetable often denatures the proteins, reducing or eliminating the allergic reaction.
Common Food Allergens in PFAS
The following table shows common pollen allergies and the fruits and vegetables that are often cross-reactive:
| Pollen Allergy | Commonly Cross-Reactive Foods |
|---|---|
| Birch | Apple, pear, cherry, peach, plum, carrot, celery, almond, hazelnut |
| Ragweed | Banana, melon, zucchini, cucumber |
| Grass | Melon, tomato, orange |
Managing PFAS
While there is no cure for PFAS, you can manage your symptoms by:
- Avoiding raw fruits and vegetables that trigger your allergies.
- Cooking fruits and vegetables: Heating often destroys the allergenic proteins.
- Peeling fruits and vegetables: The allergenic proteins are often concentrated in the skin.
- Taking antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve mild symptoms.
- Consulting an allergist: An allergist can perform allergy testing to identify specific triggers and recommend appropriate treatment.
