News In Health – Oral Allergy Syndrome
You may never have heard of this, especially if you or someone you know doesn’t have it. It’s entirely possible, however, you DO have it and just don’t realize it. In a recent health news article, I read that experts at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology state if your mouth gets itchy after eating fresh furits or vegetables, it’s possible you have Oral Allergy Syndrmoe (OAS).
Cause & Symptoms of OAS
Oral Allergy Syndrome is also known as pollen-food syndrome, which gives you a hint at the cause. It’s caused by allergens such as ragweed. In addition to the usual sneezing and itchy, watery eyes, it triggers OAS and itchiness in your mouth and throat after eating fresh fruits and vegetables. There is also sometimes a mild swelling of the mouth and throat.
The Causes of OAS
The Symptoms of Oral Allergy Syndrome are the result of a “cross-reactivity reaction” between allergy antibodies directed at the offending pollen proteins which also react to similar proteins found in other parts of the plant. In other words, there is something in the pollen that is also found in other parts of the plant, so the antibodies fighting the pollen also fight against the other parts in the stuff you eat, causing an allergic reaction.
OAS Triggers
People with ragweed allergies can experience OAS symptoms after eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables or nuts, such as:
- almonds
- apples
- bananas
- carrots
- chamomile tea
- cherries
- cucumbers
- Echinacea
- hazelnuts
- kiwis
- melon
- peaches
- pears
- sunflower seeds
- zucchini
People with birch tree allergy symptoms can also get Oral Allergy Syndrome when they eat almonds, apples, carrots, cherries, hazelnuts, kiwis, peaches, or pears.
Preventing OAS Symptoms
If you have this allergy, the best way to prevent symptoms is to cook foods. That usually eliminates the OAS reaction.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology news release.
