Do you suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) caused by pollen?
Do you have symptoms immediately after eating raw fruits or vegetables?
Do you have an itching or tingling on your tongue or the roof of your mouth?
Do you have swollen or numb lips?
Do you have a scratchy throat?
Do you have irritation of the gums, eyes or nose?
Do you sneeze or have nasal congestion (stuffy nose)?
Can you safely eat cooked fruits and vegetables, the same ones that cause you symptoms in their raw form?
Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have oral allergy syndrome. Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a type of food allergy. It occurs in people who are allergic to pollen when they eat a certain type of fresh fruit or vegetables. An allergic reaction is confined to the mouth and throat. It occurs because the proteins found in pollen are very similar to those in a particular type of fruit or vegetable. This similarity between proteins can confuse your immune system, so that it overreacts causing an allergic reaction. Oral allergy syndrome is more common in adults than in children.
Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have oral allergy syndrome. Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a mild form of food allergy. It is a type of contact allergic reaction that occurs when you eat certain types of raw fruits and vegetables. It is interesting that the same foods when they are cooked will not cause allergies. Symptoms appear immediately after eating raw fruits and vegetables and usually include itching or mild swelling of the lips, mouth and throat. It occurs in people who suffer from hay fever or nasal allergies. About 50 to 75% of adults allergic to birch tree pollen will develop OAS.
Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have oral allergy syndrome. Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is also known as pollen allergy syndrome (PFAS). It is an allergic reaction that occurs in people with pollen allergy when they eat raw fruits and vegetables. In fact, an allergic reaction is the result of so-called cross-reactivity - certain proteins that can be found in pollen can also be found in certain fruits or vegetables. This type of allergy can occur at any time of the year. Avoiding raw foods that cause you symptoms is the best way to manage this condition.
AAFA, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
https://community.aafa.org/blog/7-things-you-should-know-about-oral-allergy-syndrome
AAAAI, American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, Oral Allergy Syndrome
https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/outdoor-food-allergies-relate
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome
https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/oral-allergy-syndrome
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Oral Allergy Syndrome
https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/oral-allergy-syndrome-oas
NCBI, Oral Allergy Syndrome
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2917934/
jelena mihajlovic
Hi! I’m Jelena Radovanovic. After earning my Phd in General Medicine from the Medical University of Nis, I began a career as a physician in order to pursue my passion for medical science and help treat the people around me. I joined the Medical Center in Nis in 2010 where I gained practical knowledge in real-time situations. In addition to my primary job as a General Practitioner, I’ve worked with nonprofits to help underprivileged patients by providing them with information, services, and assistance.
You can find me on Upwork at: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01d0ef3a1f3aa93918
