Fruit And Vegetable Allergies

Allergies manifest themselves in many different ways and one of them is the Oral Allergy Syndrome. This is sometimes also known as the pollen-fruit allergy syndrome because it occurs in people who are sensitive to common pollens and then develop a cross-sensitivity to various fruits and vegetables. For instance, there is an association between grass pollen sensitivity and a cross-sensitivity to tomato, melon, and water melon.

The symptoms are usually mild and self-limiting but are nevertheless uncomfortable and disruptive. They mainly involve irritation, burning and swelling of the inside of the mouth. Very rarely a more widespread and serious reaction can result with swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing. The diagnosis is usually made by recognising a pattern between cause and effect which ultimately reveals the irritant food item.

Unfortunately the only effective treatment is to avoid whichever fruit or vegetable is causing the problem. This can be frustrating if it happens to be one of your favourites but alternatively could be handy if you are a small child and the culprit is Brussel sprouts.

Like many allergic phenomena the oral allergy syndrome seems to be on the increase and no one knows why. Dr Pamela Ewan, an allergy consultant at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, has been quoted as saying that the rise in cases appears to be outstripping even peanut allergy, and the University Hospital of Wales reports a five fold increase in a six year period, albeit from a small base*.

*Reference:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7988483.stm

 

Feature Written by Dr Rupert Mason and Adapted From the Above Original Source

 

Page created: 29 April 2009