AllergyExpert - Pollen Food Syndrome

562 Shearer Street, Suite 101 GREENSBURG
4212 Old William Penn Highway MURRSYSVILLE

ph: 724 837 4070

Pollen Food Syndrome

The pollen food syndrome (also known as oral allergy syndrome) is a type of allergy which occurs in some people who have an allergy to birch tree, grasses, ragweed, or molds. It occurs because of a cross reactivity between proteins in pollen and the food.

In essence, the proteins in the fruit, vegetable, or nut look very similar to the proteins in pollen, so that when you eat the fruit, the immune system thinks you are eating pollen.

Symptoms develop with some raw/unprocessed fruits, vegetables or nuts. When the food is cooked or processed, no symptoms develop.

What are the symptoms of pollen food syndrome?

Symptoms include itching of the mouth, lips, and throat and ears. These symptoms develop while or very shortly after eating certain fresh fruits or vegetables, or nuts. The symptoms generally only last several minutes and resolve without treatment.

What foods are associated with pollen food syndrome?

Apples, almond, carrot, celery, cherry, hazelnut, kiwi, peach, pear, and plum are associated with birch tree allergy
Watermelon, melon, oranges, tomatoes, kiwi, celery, and peanuts are associated with grass allergies
Watermelon, melon, honeydew, cantaloupe, banana, cucumbuer and zucchini are associated with ragweed allergies
Mushrooms are associated with mold allergies.

Is there a way to treat pollen food syndrome?

Heating the food in question will prevent the symptoms from developing. It may be as simple as placing the food in the microwave for 5-30 seconds. If this is not effective, thororughly cooking the food, or eating canned fruits/vegetables should do the trick. Going on allergy shots for the environmental allergies can help resolve the pollen food syndrome in some people.

562 Shearer Street, Suite 101 GREENSBURG
4212 Old William Penn Highway MURRSYSVILLE

ph: 724 837 4070