Oral allergy syndrome affects about 70 percent of people who suffer from a pollen allergy, physician David L. Katz explains on Oprah.com. Oral allergy syndrome occurs because the body confuses the proteins in certain fruits and vegetables with pollen from certain trees, weeds and grasses. If you're allergic to birch pollen, you may experience oral allergy symptoms when you eat certain fruits and vegetables. Cooking foods that cause an oral allergy may help prevent symptoms from developing, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. Talk with your doctor for her assessment and diagnosis of your condition.
Birch Allergy
Birch is a common tree that produces pollen to which many people are allergic. With a birch allergy, your immune system overreacts when you inhale the pollen. Common symptoms of a pollen allergy include itchy eyes, watery eyes, an itchy throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, postnasal drip and a runny nose, according to National Jewish Health. The main treatment for this condition is to avoid the outdoors during the springtime and keep windows and doors closed to keep pollen from entering your home.
Certain Foods
Certain foods can cause oral allergy syndrome to develop after eating them. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia states that common foods associated with a birch pollen allergy include pears, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, apples, peaches, apricots, plums, cherries, kiwi, carrots, potatoes, peppers, celery, fennel, parsley, parsnips and coriander. You may develop oral allergy syndrome symptoms from one or more of these foods. If you develop common symptoms, call your doctor.
Symptoms
Symptoms typically develop quickly after eating a food that triggers a reaction. You may develop itching or swelling in the mouth, throat or lips. Secondary symptoms that may develop include irritation of the eyes, nose and gums, according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Katz says that many symptoms are worse during the spring and fall when seasonal allergies are at their peak. In rare cases, oral allergy syndrome can lead to a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylactic shock. This complication requires emergency medical attention.
Consideration
Oral allergy syndrome and a food allergy have closely related symptoms. If you develop symptoms that persist or become severe, talk with your doctor about participating in allergy testing. A food allergy causes other symptoms, unrelated to oral allergy syndrome, such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, chest tightness, shortness of breath and the inability to breathe.
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