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A new type of allergy is emerging, causing immediate symptoms in the lips, mouth, and throat when sufferers eat fresh fruits and raw vegetables. This condition, known as oral allergy syndrome, has become more common among adults in the UK than food allergies caused by peanuts or shellfish.
In nearly every case, oral allergy syndrome is secondary to another type of allergy. Often, the primary cause is an allergy to pollen, known as Pollen Food Syndrome. In other instances, it may be related to a latex allergy, known as Latex Food Syndrome.
Many hay fever sufferers who are sensitive to proteins in pollens also react to similar proteins found in fresh fruits, raw vegetables, and certain nuts. The most common pollen to trigger this condition is birch pollen. As a result, people with Pollen Food Syndrome often experience hay fever symptoms during April and May. The birch pollen allergen is similar to proteins present in certain foods, leading to an immune response that mistakenly reacts when these foods are consumed, causing allergy symptoms in the mouth, lips, and throat.
While most people are unlikely to experience severe reactions, and mild reactions are not expected to worsen over time, it is crucial to seek medical advice in all cases. This is especially important if swelling causes difficulty in swallowing or breathing, or if symptoms include asthma.
Pollen Food Syndrome is more likely to develop in individuals who have had pollen allergies for some time. It is more frequently seen in adults than children, though it is becoming increasingly common in children as hay fever develops at a younger age.
Up to three-quarters of those sensitized to birch pollen may have this condition, though many may not realize it. In its mildest form, there may only be a sensation in the lips or tongue after eating fresh fruit. Occasionally, individuals without hay fever experience symptoms, and when tested, the birch antibody is present even though birch pollen does not cause them any symptoms.
Other less common pollens that cause symptoms include grass pollen, with people sensitive to both birch and grass pollens often suffering symptoms from a wide range of foods. Weed pollens like mugwort can also trigger symptoms.
The most common foods that cause symptoms are fresh fruits (such as apples, apricots, pears, cherries, kiwi, mango, plums, peaches, nectarines, and tomatoes), raw vegetables (carrots, celery, and peppers), hazelnuts, almonds, and walnuts. Other plant foods that may occasionally cause symptoms include raw legumes (like mange tout and raw peas) and certain spices. Some individuals have reported nose and eye symptoms and itchy hands when handling uncooked potatoes, carrots, or parsnips.
Another form of oral allergy syndrome affects individuals who suffer from natural rubber latex allergy. Latex allergy is particularly common among people who regularly come into contact with latex, such as healthcare workers. Because some latex allergens are similar to allergens in certain foods, people allergic to latex may also react to foods like apple, avocado, banana, carrot, celery, and chestnut. This condition is known as Latex Food Syndrome, with symptoms similar to those described for Pollen Food Syndrome.
Allergic reactions to fruits and vegetables are not always related to pollen or latex. In some cases, the allergy is primary to the food itself, and these reactions may be more severe. For example, primary food allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, egg white, prawns, and fish can cause symptoms in the mouth and have the potential to be much more serious.
Any reaction to food should be investigated by your GP. Even mild symptoms should not be ignored. Your GP can determine what type of food allergy you have and whether you need to be referred to an Allergy Consultant.
Correct identification and avoidance of the culprit food or foods must be the primary goal. Previous experiences with certain foods provide the most important evidence. Skin and blood tests can help confirm the diagnosis and may help a doctor identify the occasional patient at risk for a severe reaction, who may be advised to carry an adrenaline injection as a precaution.
It is not always necessary to avoid all foods in a particular group if you react to one or two of them. Unless otherwise advised, only the foods that have caused symptoms need to be avoided. However, be alert to the possibility that sensitivities to other foods in the same group may develop in the future. When trying a fruit or vegetable for the first time, proceed with caution: rub a small amount on your lip, chew a small portion, and spit it out. Wait for 15 minutes to see if any symptoms develop.
Once you are certain that a particular food is causing symptoms, and especially if tests confirm the allergy, it is important to exclude it from your diet in the future. However, consuming the same food when cooked may not cause any issues.
Currently, desensitization treatment for oral allergy syndrome is not available, though it may become an option in the future.
For individual allergy advice, speak with Dr. Michael Radcliffe at Greatvine.com. Greatvine is a revolutionary new service that enables people to speak directly by phone with one of the country's leading health & wellbeing and parenting experts across more than 70 topics.
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