Pollen allergies are the most common cause of an allergic reaction to birch, but what you eat may cause unwanted symptoms as well. If you have a known birch allergy, you may develop itching in your mouth, throat and lips after eating certain fruits, vegetables and nuts. Modifying your diet may reduce adverse reactions during hay fever season — the spring and summer months. Talk with your doctor before changing what you eat.
About Birch Allergy
Whenever your immune system reacts in an exaggerated way to a substance, called an allergen, you experience an allergic reaction. This immune system mistake causes the production of immunoglobulin E antibodies and histamine, which cause inflammation and irritation in your upper respiratory system. Birch pollen allergies are commonly associated with hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, causing nasal congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, eye irritation, watery eyes, a sore throat and sneezing. The only treatment for a birch allergy is to avoid the allergen by remaining indoors.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
Oral allergy syndrome, also called food pollen syndrome, is a condition that is common with people who have pollen allergies. The syndrome occurs when the immune system identifies proteins in certain foods as pollen, triggering a localized allergic reaction. This action is called cross-reactivity and primarily results in an itching, tingling and burning sensation in the mouth. Symptoms are typically triggered after eating raw foods, because cooking the food changes the protein structure, bypassing the confusion. In rare cases this condition can lead to anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that may lead to death.
Dietary Changes
Your doctor may recommend avoiding certain foods that can trigger oral allergy syndrome related to birch pollen allergy if cooking the raw food doesn’t prevent symptoms. Common foods that can trigger this reaction include raw celery, potatoes, pears, peaches, apples, cherries, plums, apricots, prunes, kiwi, carrots, walnuts, almonds, peppers, fennel, parsnips, hazelnuts and coriander. If any other foods cause allergylike symptoms, call your doctor for further evaluation.
Sublingual Immunotherapy
Sublingual immunotherapy is a potential treatment option for people who experience oral allergy syndrome related to a birch allergy. A small amount of birch pollen extracts are placed under the tongue to desensitize your immune system to the pollen. This therapy is similar to allergy shots and has not yet been approved by the FDA.
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