Your throat likely itches when you eat cherries because you might have Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), a type of food allergy related to certain pollens.
Understanding Oral Allergy Syndrome and Cherries
OAS, also known as pollen-food syndrome, happens when proteins in certain fruits and vegetables closely resemble pollen proteins. Your immune system, already sensitized to the pollen, mistakes the fruit protein for pollen, triggering an allergic reaction.
Common Symptoms
When you eat cherries and experience OAS, you might notice:
- Itchy or scratchy throat: This is often the most common symptom.
- Tingling in the mouth: You may feel a slight tingling or numbing sensation.
- Swollen lips or tongue: The lips or tongue may swell slightly.
These symptoms usually appear immediately after eating the cherries and are often mild and resolve quickly on their own.
Pollen Connection
Cherries are commonly linked to allergies to tree pollens, particularly birch pollen. If you have hay fever during birch pollen season, you are more likely to experience OAS symptoms when eating cherries.
What to Do
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Pay attention to your symptoms: Note when the itching occurs and what other foods might be causing a similar reaction.
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Consider cooking the cherries: Heating the cherries can denature the proteins that cause the allergic reaction, potentially reducing or eliminating symptoms.
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Consult an allergist: An allergist can perform tests to confirm whether you have OAS and identify the specific pollens or foods triggering your symptoms. They can also advise you on how to manage your symptoms and, in rare cases, provide an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) if there's a risk of a severe reaction.
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Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines may help alleviate mild symptoms.
Important Considerations
- Severe Reactions are Rare: While OAS can be bothersome, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are uncommon with fruits like cherries. However, be vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, or swelling of the throat.
- Cross-Reactivity: You might find that other fruits and vegetables in the same family as cherries (like plums, peaches, and apples) cause similar symptoms.
In conclusion, the itchy throat you experience after eating cherries is most likely due to Oral Allergy Syndrome, where your immune system is reacting to proteins in the cherries that resemble pollen. While generally mild, it's essential to be aware of your symptoms and seek advice from an allergist if concerned.
