Oral Allergy Syndrome

Definition

• A minor allergic reaction to some raw fruits and vegetables
• Causes itching and swelling only to the lips and tongue
• Also called Pollen-Food Syndrome

Call or Return If

• Trouble swallowing or drooling occurs
• Trouble breathing occurs
• Swelling or rash occurs elsewhere
• You think your child needs to be seen
• Your child becomes worse

About This Topic

Symptoms

• Rapid onset of itching (or tingling) and swelling of the mouth.
• This includes the lips, tongue, throat, and roof of the mouth.
• The uvula (tag of tissue hanging down in back) can become very swollen.
• The reaction follows eating a high risk raw fruit or vegetable.
• Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) can start by age 5.
• Severe reactions and serious symptoms rarely happen.

Causes

• A contact allergy. It is limited to the parts of the mouth that touch the raw food.
• Trigger foods for OAS are always raw and uncooked.
• Fresh Fruits. Includes apple, apricot, banana, cherry, melons, orange, peach and pear
• Raw Vegetables. Includes carrot, celery, parsley, potato and tomato. Carrots and celery have the highest risk for also causing serious symptoms.
• Certain Seeds. Includes sunflower seeds and fennel seeds

Oral Allergy Syndrome and Nose Allergies Can Be Linked

• Over 50% of people who are allergic to pollen also have OAS. This means 10% of all people.
• Ragweed pollen allergy can cross-react with all melons. Also, sometimes with bananas and tomatoes.
• Birch pollen allergy can cross-react with raw potatoes, carrots, celery and apples.
• Grass pollen allergy can cross-react with tomato and kiwi.

After Care Advice