Oral Allergy Syndrome Treatment Options

If you or your child experience itching or swelling around the mouth or lips after eating certain foods, you may have oral allergy syndrome (OAS). OAS is known as a cross-reactive allergy because your immune system reacts to allergens found in both food and pollen.

Most often, OAS impacts older children, causing discomfort and irritation. But anyone can experience symptoms, and on rare occasions they can be severe. Our doctors work in Atlanta and across Georgia providing food allergy testing followed by an appropriate treatment plan for OAS.

Oral Allergy Syndrome Treatment Options

The crucial first stage in providing treatment is to identify the foods causing the allergic reaction. A food allergy test, such as a skin prick test, blood test or oral challenge test, focuses on the precise allergen. You can then take precautions with food consumption. Avoidance is a simple first step. Additionally, cooking the food will distort the allergens, and can reduce the chance of your body mistakenly reacting to the presence of pollen.

If you want a long-term approach that will allow you to consume the allergic food, oral immunotherapy is your best option. Oral immunotherapy involves consuming doses of the allergen over 6–12 months, until your body is desensitized to its presence. You can then live your life without fear of an unexpected allergic reaction.

Foods That Cause Oral Allergy Syndrome

Many foods can cause OAS, but your allergist must make an accurate diagnosis. For example, nuts are a common trigger for OAS, and if this is the case, testing for a more serious tree nut allergy should be done as well. If you experience tingling around the mouth after eating fruit, this is another sign of OAS. Properly understanding the triggers ensures that you can receive the most effective treatment plan.

Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and peanuts are the nuts most likely to cause your immune system to react, and soy milk is another trigger to be aware of. Because many products might contain traces of peanuts, tree nuts and/or soy, the food labels for these products will list the “possible traces” involved.

Common Oral Allergy Syndrome Questions

Is OAS a life-threatening condition?

In most cases, OAS sufferers will experience mild symptoms. But the possibility of a more severe allergic reaction does exist. Speak to your allergist to determine a treatment plan and whether you require an epinephrine injector.

Is there a cure for oral allergy syndrome?

While there is no cure for OAS or other allergies, oral immunotherapy treatment is the option closest to a cure. Successful treatment of oral allergy syndrome may allow you to consume these foods without negative consequences.

Are You Suffering From Oral Allergy Syndrome?

Oral allergy syndrome is a common medical condition, but many people have never received an accurate diagnosis. If you are concerned about allergies, make an appointment with Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center and start treating the problem. We have food allergy treatment centers in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call us today at 678-668-4688 to make an appointment.