Many people associate food allergies solely with a classic presentation, such as hives, swelling, shortness of breath, throat tightness, and other life threatening symptoms. There is another type of food allergy though, of which many people are unaware, called Food-Pollen Allergy Syndrome, or sometimes Oral Allergy Syndrome.

Individuals with pollen allergies, sometimes develop a “cross-reactivity” between pollen and certain raw fruits, vegetables, peanut, and tree nuts. In individuals with Food-Pollen Allergy Syndrome this allergic reaction often manifests with mild symptoms such as the itchy tongue, itch mouth, itchy throat, though in more severe circumstances one can develop hives, swelling and other concerning symptoms. These symptoms develop not due to a classic food allergy, but because of an underlying allergy to pollen. The allergenic proteins in certain raw fruits, vegetables, peanut, and tree nuts can resemble the allergenic proteins in certain types of pollen. In some individuals, the body then reacts to not only the pollen but to those related to raw foods as well. Interestingly, for those with Food-Pollen Allergy Syndrome, heating the food disrupts the allergic reaction, so that the food may be safely ingested.

A classic example for those in Fairfield County is to have a birch pollen allergy, which cross-reacts with apple, leading to itchy throat, itchy mouth when eating a raw apple, but heated/processed apple juice will lead to no symptoms. For the majority of those with classic food allergies, heating and processing the food does not change whether an allergic reaction will occur.

A few examples of pollen allergies and an incomplete list of foods that may be linked to those pollens can be found below.

Birch pollen: apple, cherry, apricot, pears, peaches, plums, kiwi, carrots, celery, potato, peppers, hazelnut, almond, walnut.

Grass pollen: Tomato, melons (cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew), peach.

Mugwort: Apple, celery, peanut, carrots, kiwi.

Ragweed: Banana, melons (cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew), cucumber, zucchini, chamomile.

Again, the above list is incomplete, and many other foods are associated with Food-Pollen Allergy Syndrome as well.

Typically the reactions involved with Food-Pollen Allergy Syndrome are less severe than a classic food allergy, and the management between the two differs. Those with Food Pollen allergy Syndrome do not have to avoid the heated or processed version of the food to which they are allergic. Please keep in mind, that any food that causes any symptoms should be treated as a possible severe allergy, and strictly avoided unless otherwise advised by your allergist.

To find out whether you have Food-Pollen Allergy syndrome, call 203-748-7433, and set up an appointment at one of our offices in Fairfield County.