Consuming fruits, nuts, and vegetables is generally considered healthy for individuals of all ages. However, some people may exhibit allergies to specific fruits, nuts, and even vegetables. The occurrence of these allergies is often linked to oral allergy syndrome, a condition identified in a 2019 study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). This syndrome manifests adverse reactions within minutes of consuming fruits in individuals with pollen-induced seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SAR).
Individuals with this syndrome may experience itchiness in the mouth and throat, along with symptoms like a scratchy throat or swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat. Research from the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology indicates that this reaction is prevalent in 50 to 75 percent of adults allergic to birch tree pollen. The similarity between proteins in certain fruits and vegetables and those found in pollen can confuse the immune system, leading to an allergic reaction or exacerbating existing symptoms—a phenomenon known as cross-reactivity. In the context of pollen and foods, this cross-reactivity is termed oral allergy syndrome (OAS) or pollen fruit allergy syndrome (PFAS).
Dr. Praveen Khilnani from Madhukar Rainbow Hospital in Delhi suggests suspecting pollen allergy in cases of cross-reactivity, especially if symptoms arise after consuming raw fruits. Common triggers for allergies include apple, almonds, hazelnuts, kiwi, peach, celery, or cucumber. Skin testing can help confirm pollen allergies, and if diagnosed, it may lead to breathing issues and a runny nose due to allergic rhinitis.
While not everyone with a pollen allergy experiences PFAS, certain foods are commonly associated with specific allergens. The American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) provides a list of foods associated with different pollen types:
– Birch pollen: apple, almond, carrot, celery, cherry, hazelnut, kiwi, peach, pear, plum
– Grass pollen: celery, melons, oranges, peaches, tomato
– Ragweed pollen: banana, cucumber, melons, sunflower seeds, zucchini
For those affected by PFAS, the ACAAI suggests that consuming the same fruits or vegetables in cooked form is generally safe because the heating process distorts the proteins, making them unrecognizable to the immune system. If certain foods in their raw form cause intolerable symptoms, avoidance is recommended. In cases of severe reactions or symptoms to high-risk foods like peanuts or tree nuts, an allergist may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector.
Dr. Neha Rastogi Panda, a senior consultant in infectious diseases at Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurgaon, recommends taking allergy treatment before the allergy season begins. Additionally, avoiding factors that can exacerbate allergies, such as dust or open windows, is advised.
