What is oral allergy syndrome?

Oral allergy syndrome is a specific form of food allergy that manifests as unpleasant burning, tingling, and itching in the mouth and lip area immediately after consuming certain raw fruits or vegetables. This condition is directly related to cross-reactivity with plant pollens.

The patient's immune system is already sensitized to tree or grass pollen, and the protein structure of raw plant foods is very similar to pollen allergens. As a result, the body reacts to the food in the same way it reacts to pollen.

In most cases, thermal processing of foods completely resolves this problem. Boiling, stewing, baking, or canning destroys unstable plant proteins, and a person can safely consume thermally processed fruits without any negative consequences.

The most common triggers for oral allergy syndrome are fresh apples, peaches, pears, kiwi, cherries, as well as various raw vegetables and nuts. The reaction usually develops locally and resolves on its own shortly after finishing the meal.

To relieve the condition and prevent symptoms, a doctor may recommend taking modern antihistamines shortly before the planned consumption of potentially hazardous fresh foods.