Oral allergies, also known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS), are allergic reactions that primarily affect the mouth, lips, and throat. This type of allergy occurs when someone with an allergy to pollen, like tree pollen or grass pollen, eats certain raw fruits or vegetables. The proteins in these foods resemble the proteins in the pollen, causing the body to react as if it's encountering the pollen.
Common Symptoms include:
- Itchiness in the mouth, lips, and throat
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat
- Tingling sensations
- Hives on the mouth
Causes:
- Cross-reactivity: The proteins in some fruits and vegetables are similar to the proteins in pollen, causing the immune system to react to both.
- Pollen allergies: Individuals with allergies to pollen, such as tree, grass, or ragweed, are more susceptible to OAS.
Examples:
- People with birch pollen allergy might react to apples, pears, and carrots.
- Those with grass pollen allergy could react to tomatoes, melons, and bananas.
Management:
- Avoiding triggering foods: Identifying and avoiding the specific fruits and vegetables that trigger your allergy is essential.
- Cooking foods: Cooking or heating the food can often break down the proteins that cause the reaction, making the food safer to eat.
- Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines can help alleviate mild symptoms.
- Epinephrine: For severe reactions, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen) is crucial.
Note: OAS reactions are typically mild and short-lived. However, it's crucial to seek medical advice from an allergist to determine the cause, severity, and appropriate management strategies.
