Oral allergy syndrome is a type of food allergy and most often occurs in persons with pollen allergies. Allergy-stimulating proteins in plant pollens are similar to proteins in some fruits and vegetables. When people who are allergic to particular pollens eat fruits and vegetables in the same plant families, then their bodies mistake one protein for the other. Symptoms of oral allergy syndrome include itching or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or roof of the mouth. Symptoms are less severe if the individual is regularly taking antihistamines. Oral allergy syndrome reactions are not due to pesticides, chemicals or wax on the offending food. The foods most commonly associated with oral allergy syndrome are fresh fruits and vegetables, especially melons and peaches.
Dr Mima Petrick explains Oral Allergy Syndrome in more detail, as well as how to treat.
