Eggplant may make your mouth itch because you are experiencing a minor localized allergic reaction. Whenever your body reacts to a substance it identifies as dangerous, it generates immunoglobulin E, or IgE, antibodies that fight against it. For example, if you're allergic to pollen, when you inhale the substance, your immune system reacts to it as if it is harmful, although it's safe. The release of IgE antibodies causes mast cells in your body to create histamine, a chemical that irritates soft tissue, leaving it inflamed and itchy. If you develop an itchy mouth after eating raw eggplant, you are experiencing oral allergy syndrome.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
Oral allergy syndrome is a medical term that describes an itchy mouth that is caused by eating raw fruits, vegetables or nuts in individuals who have been diagnosed with pollen allergies, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylactic Network. The symptoms from this condition are typically mild and will only affect your mouth, throat and sinuses. Cooking the eggplant will cause the proteins in the vegetable to change, making it possible to eat it without any symptoms. Talk with your doctor for further evaluation to confirm if you are experiencing oral allergy syndrome.
Cause
The cause of an itchy mouth after eating eggplant is cross-reactivity between the proteins foundin the eggplant and a specific pollen that you're allergic to. Cross-reactivity occurs when the immune system mistakes certain proteins for a similar allergen, such as pollen. The body reacts to the protein the same way it would if you ate the pollen. Unlike a food allergy, oral allergy syndrome will not cause any other symptoms to develop. In rare cases, Oprah.com reports that oral allergy syndrome may trigger anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. If you become short of breath, dizzy and develop hives, call your doctor immediately.
Consideration
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia states that eating eggplant during the spring, summer and fall may increase your symptoms. Avoid going outdoors and keep your doors and windows closed during high-pollen count months. If you notice that your mouth is itchy even after cooking eggplant, you may want to eliminate it from your diet during hay fever season.
Treatment
A similar treatment to allergy shots can be administered to prevent and treat oral allergy syndrome. Sublingual immunotherapy may help to desensitize your immune system, according to Oprah.com. Talk with an allergist to determine if this treatment is right for you.
