Symptoms of an oral allergy can occur when foods or substances are ingested by a person with allergies to those particular foods or substances. The difference between an oral allergy and other allergies is that the symptoms are confined to the oral cavity instead of occurring as a whole body, or systemic, reaction. Mild oral allergies are not a serious health concern, but in rare cases, they can lead to a more critical reaction called anaphylaxis.
Itching
Any part of the mouth, lips, tongue or throat can be itchy after the ingestion of an allergen, suggests the National Institutes of Health. Individuals may describe the itching as a tingling sensation. Throat itching can lead to coughing to stop the discomfort. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia points out that most symptoms occur within minutes of eating the allergen.
Swelling
Oral swelling is a more significant sign of an allergic reaction. The lips and tongue may swell from an allergic reaction to the ingested substance.
Anaphylactic Reactions
Itching and swelling often precede an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis consists of the airways tightening, significant swelling in the throat that makes breathing difficult, a sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness and an elevated pulse, according to the Mayo Clinic. Anaphylaxis can lead to death if left untreated and requires emergency medical attention.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
Oral allergy syndrome, or OAS, is a specific type of food allergy. The Mayo Clinic suggests that it can occur when fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and spices are consumed. These are typically pollen-foods. Individuals who have hay fever that is caused by specific pollens are likely to be allergic to the same foods. For example, individuals allergic to grasses may also have an oral allergy to kiwis and tomatoes.
Many of the symptoms of OAS are similar to the oral symptoms of a general allergy. But with OAS, cooking the foods may reduce the pollen and make the foods safe to eat for those with the syndrome. Additional symptoms of OAS include watery eyes, runny nose, itchy eyes, itchy nose, hives, wheezing and any other side effect the individual normally experiences when pollen is present.
