Pollen-food allergy (oral allergy syndrome)

Overview

Proteins in raw foods look like pollen proteins.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Itchy mouth after raw fruit
• Itchy or tingly mouth, lips, or throat after eating

Less common

• Itchy lips

When to get medical care

Causes

Pollen allergy.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Hay fever

Diagnosis

An allergist reviews history.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Allergy tests:

Treatment

Avoid raw triggers.

Self-care

• Cook or peel the food
• Note which foods cause it
• Peel or cook trigger fruits

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Avoid trigger raw foods

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an allergist (allergy and asthma doctor).

Living with it

• Read every food label.
• Carry two epinephrine auto-injectors at all times.
• Tell restaurants about your allergy.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Education and online support for asthma, allergies, and eczema.
• FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education): Tips for school, dining out, and travel with food allergies.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People with hay fever: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Mild.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Should I carry epinephrine?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Pollen-food allergy (oral allergy syndrome)