You probably blame seasonal allergies for your itchy eyes and nasal congestion, but did you know they might also be responsible for some of your food sensitivities? A recent article in The Huffington Post explores the connection between oral allergy syndrome (OAS) and pollen.
"The thinking in the field is that the pollen allergy is the driver behind the immune response to the food," Dr. Wayne Shreffler, the director of the Food Allergy Center at MassGeneral Hospital for Children in Boston, told The Post.
In other words, the immune systems of some seasonal allergy sufferers sees similarities between the relevant pollen and some food items. Called cross-reactivity, this can cause an unpleasant itching sensation in the lips, throat and mouth. In rare cases, it can even cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), an OAS response typically occurs immediately after a food is consumed, but sometimes the reaction may be delayed by up to an hour.
Shreffler tells the Huffington Post that certain pollen allergies have been linked to specific OAS reactions. For example, people who are allergic to ragweed might develop oral itchiness after eating melons, cucumber, zucchini, kiwi and banana. Those sensitive to sometimes have reactions to celery, pears and stone fruits. Grass pollen allergies correlate with a low tolerance for tomatoes, melons and oranges.
Avoid foods that you know trigger an OAS reaction, and talk to your doctor about other ways to manage your seasonal allergy symptoms. If you have a pollen allergy, it's also a good idea to invest in an allergen air purifier to minimize pollen in your home. Check out the Allergy Be Gone website today!
