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Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)

Oral Allery Syndrome by definition is "a type of food allergy classified by a cluster of allergic reactions in the mouth in response to eating certain fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables that typically develops in hay fever sufferers."

Is almost the most common of food allergies in adults ( although, i have yet to meet anyone else with this )
Oral allergy syndrome is not a separate food allergy , its a cross-eactivity between distant remnants of tree or wood pollen still found in fruits and vegetables.
It is usually limited to ingestion of certain fruits and vegetables.

Symptoms Include

Itching and/or burning sensation of the lips, mouth, ear canal, or throat
Sometimes it can be seen in the eyes, nose and skin
Swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat is also sometimes seen
Rarely this allergy may lead to anaphylaxis

Oral Allergy Syndrome symptoms appear when a person eats certain triggering fruits or vegetables. Some people may only have reactions to one or two foods while others may have reactions to many fruits and vegetables.


In my personal experiences my more severe reactions are to fresh watermelon, cucumber, honeydew, cantaloupe, and oranges, these tend to cause throat swelling , itching and burning sensations. That would point directly to a grass allergy in itself based on the chart above. I have also had reactions to bananas, avacodos, pistachios, apples, and lettuce.( Im sure there is more that i just cant think of off the top of my head.) These tend to produce minor reactions, just a itchy throat. I cant peel potatoes or chop certain veggies because my hands, in between my fingers will get super itchy and form little tiny blisters. 

Frozen, canned , or cooked are all fine for me. Sometimes heating something in the microwave for 30 seconds will kill off the pollens , this works with lemons for me. So i just squeeze out the lemon juice and pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds or so. I will not however, eat any watermelon, cucumber, oranges, cantaloupe, or honey dew at all. The rest of everything is fine cooked or frozen. Unfortunately thats how i have to eat a majority of produce. 

So that about sums it up! 

For more information please visit Wikipedia Oral Allergy Syndrome


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