Has your mouth ever started to itch after taking a bite of a raw apple or banana? If you have hay fever or nasal allergies, this allergic reaction may be due to oral allergy syndrome (OAS). Although generally considered a mild allergy, OAS occurs when the immune system mixes proteins in certain foods with allergy-triggering proteins from pollen. Discover the causes of Oral Allergy Syndrome and the simple steps you can take to reduce the symptoms; so you can continue to eat your favorite foods.
Oral allergy syndrome is an allergic reaction in the mouth or throat caused by certain raw fruits, vegetables, or nuts. When the immune system cannot distinguish between similar proteins found in foods and pollen, it will trigger an allergic response. Teens and young adults who experience hay fever related to birch, ragweed, and grass pollen, which contain proteins similar to certain foods, are more likely to develop Oral Allergy Syndrome, according to experts.
What Causes Oral Allergy Syndrome?
Oral Allergy Syndrome can occur at any time of the year when seasonal allergies are more active, with an increased likelihood of symptoms. Oral allergy syndrome is caused by the cross-reactivity of airborne allergens found in some raw foods. Common trigger foods of Oral Allergy Syndrome include:
Fruit; Apple, Banana, Cherry, Chestnut, Kiwi Melon Peach, Peanut, Plum, Tomato,
Vegetables; Carrot, Celery, Cucumber, Potato, Pumpkin, Hazelnut, Almond, Chestnut, Hazelnut, Walnut
Oral Allergy Syndrome Symptoms
OAS symptoms are relatively mild and usually appear about an hour after exposure to a food in the mouth. Although uncommon, severe symptoms of oral allergy syndrome may include difficulty breathing or swallowing. Contact a doctor or allergist if you experience food allergy symptoms after eating. Typical symptoms of Oral Allergy Syndrome include itching or swelling in the following areas:
.Mouth
.Throat
.Lips
.Language
.Face
How Is Oral Allergy Syndrome Treated?
Oral allergy syndrome treatment varies according to the trigger and severity of the allergic reaction. Suppose you can’t identify the allergy trigger. In this case, a medical professional or allergist can help determine what is causing the allergic response and what type of treatment is needed. If it’s a mild condition, they may recommend eliminating exposure to the allergy trigger. Allergen immunotherapy (pollen injections to treat hay fever) and over-the-counter histamine blockers can also help relieve Oral Allergy Syndrome symptoms.
Allergy-causing proteins are usually found in the skin of the food, so removing the peel can sometimes eliminate the allergy trigger. Fortunately, the proteins that cause Oral Allergy Syndrome can be easily broken down if the food is not consumed raw. Here are some methods for breaking down allergy-triggering proteins in food:
.Cooking or heating food with a stove, oven or microwave.
Eating frozen or processed foods such as applesauce.
.Peel the skin.
.Consuming canned fruit or vegetables
.Avoid allergen-causing foods in dried form.
Although oral allergy syndrome probably only causes minor symptoms, the best way to determine the appropriate treatment for you is to visit a medical professional. Keep in mind that just because you haven’t had an allergic reaction to a particular raw food before doesn’t mean you won’t develop Oral Allergy Syndrome later in life. Talk to your doctor if you think you have Oral Allergy Syndrome!