Oral allergy syndrome: Pollen allergy & mouth discomfort

February 11, 2004

Yes, there is a cross-reactivity between some pollens and foods. This can cause burning sensations in the mouth and throat, and in some cases can cause hives and dangerous swelling of the throat and windpipe.

Just this week I spoke with a patient who is allergic to pollens. He told me that he had experienced sensations of burning in his mouth after eating certain fruits a few times. The last time, about a year ago, his windpipe started closing up so he could barely breathe. He has not eaten these fruits since then, a very wise decision.

This is known as "oral allergy syndrome." It is most commonly associated with allergy to birch pollen, but can occur with other pollens such as ragweed, mugwort sage, plantain, and grasses. Fruits and nuts are the foods most commonly implicated, but other foods can cause the symptoms as well.

Most authorities I've consulted say it is not necessary to avoid all foods associated with a given pollen allergy. They recommend avoiding only the foods which cause symptoms. Often it is the raw food that causes the oral allergy symptoms, and many people find they can tolerate these foods without symptoms when the foods are well cooked.

The exception is nuts, which usually cause symptoms whether raw or cooked. Many authorities feel that nuts pose a higher risk and should always be avoided if there is any indication you are allergic to them. Always consult your physician before eating any food which has caused symptoms, or to which allergy testing has indicated you are allergic.

Here is a list of foods that have been reported to cross-react with pollen as well as latex allergy:

Oral allergy syndrome is not the only type of food allergy. Allergies to foods can cause hives and swelling without oral sensations, and in people who are not allergic to pollens.

In addition, many patients I've tested and found allergic to pollens have not shown allergy to foods.

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