Oral Allergy Syndrome affects people who are allergic to pollen. Symptoms of food and inhalation allergies may appear after eating certain foods - fruits, vegetables, nuts, and even spices. It can even lead to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. What are the causes and symptoms of oral allergy syndrome? What is the treatment?

Oral Allergy Syndrome(OAS) occurs in some people who are allergic to pollen after eating or touching foods that cross-react with pollen, i.e. foods that are allergens identical to those found in plant pollen. People who are allergic to birch pollen are particularly at risk from oral allergy syndrome.

Other names for Oral Allergy Syndrome are:

  • oral allergic syndrome (UZU)
  • Oral Allergic Symptoms Syndrome
  • local anaphylaxis of the oral cavity
  • oral anaphylaxis
  • perioral allergic symptoms syndrome
  • Amlot-Lessof team
  • allergic stomatitis syndrome

Oral Allergy Syndrome - Causes

In Poland, oral allergy syndrome most often occurs in people allergic to birch pollen. The probability of developing OAS in a person allergic to pollen of this plant increases if:

  • sick female
  • is an adult
  • allergy to birch pollen is accompanied by allergy to hazel pollen
  • the disease has a long course
  • there are family history of atopic dermatitis
  • the patient is not desensitized with the birch pollen vaccine

Birch pollen cross-reacts with many foods, but in people allergic to pollen, OAS most often occurs after eating an apple. Being allergic to birch pollen favors the occurrence of OAS symptoms also after consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables, such as:

  • pear
  • plum
  • peach
  • banana
  • kiwi
  • lychee
  • mango
  • orange
  • carrot
  • potatoes
  • celery
  • tomato
  • pepper

Birch pollen also cross-reacts with spices such as:

  • anise
  • curry
  • pepper
  • cumin
  • coriander

as well as nuts and latex.

Oral allergy syndrome may also occur as a result of a cross-reaction between hazel pollen and hazelnuts or walnuts, as well as mugwort pollen and celery. On the other hand, an allergy to ambrosia pollen contributes to the development of food allergy to melon.

CHECK NECESSARY - Cross-allergen table

Oral Allergy Syndrome - Symptoms

Oral allergy syndrome has two phases.

Symptoms of inhalation allergy to pollen appear first, i.e. primarily allergic rhinitis.

Then symptoms of food allergy appear, such as:

  • itching, swelling, burning and redness of the mucosa:
    • lips (especially lower lips)
    • oral cavity (especially gout and tongue)
    • throats
    • larynx

In some cases (mainly in children) there may be a tingling sensation and rash around the mouth, as well as other symptoms such as

  • hives
  • conjunctivitis
  • stomach pains
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • itching and clogged ears

Initially, OAS symptoms only appear after eating raw foods.

For example, an allergic person cannot peel and eat raw apples, but he tolerates apple compote or apple pie. On the other hand, another allergy sufferer who develops allergic symptoms when peeling potatoes tolerates these vegetables well after cooking.

However, over time, the allergic reaction also begins to occur after eating cooked, fried or baked food.

In addition, over time, consumption of an allergenic food may cause more and more symptoms.

Important

Oral Allergy Syndrome Can Be Life Threatening!

It is estimated that about 10 percent People with Oral Allergy Syndrome experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

Oral allergy syndrome - diagnosis

If oral allergy syndrome is suspected, skin tests and blood tests are performed to determine the concentration of allergen-specific IgE antibodies (asIgE).

Diagnosis is based on positive skin tests and increased antibody levels.

Oral Allergy Syndrome - Treatment

If symptoms of OAS occur, rinse your mouth with water and give your anti-hi-state drug. If breathing is difficult, callambulance.

Symptomatic medications and specific immunotherapy are used to treat oral allergy syndrome. In addition, you should avoid eating foods that may cause allergy symptoms.

About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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Category:

Allergies