Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a type of food allergy triggered by certain raw fruits, vegetables and nuts. While most people are familiar with traditional food allergies to dairy, peanuts and shellfish, OAS is less widely recognized. However, everything from the symptoms to the severity of the reaction can differ from a traditional food allergy. Let’s look at the key differences between OAS and the other food allergies affecting Atlanta patients.
Differences Between Oral Allergy Syndrome and Food Allergies
Oral allergy syndrome and traditional food allergies differ in how reactions occur and how each condition is managed. Recognizing these differences can help make symptoms easier to recognize.
Cause of Allergies
Traditional food allergies occur when the immune system becomes sensitized to a food protein. When you eat that food, your body considers it a threat and releases chemicals that trigger a reaction. OAS reactions occur when the immune system is sensitized to a pollen protein. As many fruits, vegetables and nuts contain proteins similar to those of certain pollens, the immune system reacts the same way to exposure.
Common Trigger Foods
Most conventional food allergies involve milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy or sesame. OAS differs in that the types of food that trigger a reaction depend on the food’s cross-reactivity with the pollen you’re allergic to. For example, people with a birch pollen allergy may react to apples, peaches, cherries and hazelnuts, while those with a ragweed allergy may react to melons, bananas and cucumbers.
Effects of Cooking on Trigger Foods
A good tip for managing oral allergy syndrome is to cook the trigger food before eating, since OAS symptoms are typically caused by eating fruits or vegetables that are raw. However, when you cook these same foods you may not react at all. This is because cooking changes the protein structure of the food, and the body no longer mistakes it for pollen. However, note that traditional food allergies do not usually react in the same way to heat.
Symptoms of OAS vs. Food Allergies
Food allergies can be unpredictable and even severe, and may affect the skin, digestive system, breathing, and other areas of the body. While anaphylaxis is thankfully rare, patients may require epinephrine and emergency care after a reaction. When compared with food allergy symptoms, OAS symptoms are usually more mild and may cause itching, tingling and slight swelling in the mouth and throat.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosing a food allergy involves skin prick testing, blood testing, or an oral food challenge when results are inconclusive. Once diagnosed, a food allergy treatment could involve strict avoidance, medication, or oral immunotherapy. For oral allergy syndrome, allergists will assess your symptoms and history of pollen allergy to make a diagnosis. Treatment generally involves avoiding raw cross-reactive foods and, if needed, taking medication.
Trusted Oral Allergy Syndrome Care in the Atlanta Area
If you believe you may be experiencing the symptoms of oral allergy syndrome or another type of food allergy, our allergist team is here to help. Visit one of our locations across Atlanta for support with an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment.
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