Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is an uncomfortable condition that can be mistaken for a food allergy. While there are oral allergy syndrome treatment options available, symptoms are often mild and many people just learn to live with the problem. Unfortunately, OAS can have severe side effects, making it important to seek advice from board-certified allergists. Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center works with OAS sufferers in the Atlanta area so they may live without fear of their allergies.
What Is Oral Allergy Syndrome?
Do you experience itching or swelling of the lips, mouth or throat after eating certain fruits, vegetables and nuts? Many people are surprised to learn that a pollen allergy is to blame. OAS is called a cross-reactive condition, as the immune system mistakes proteins in some fruits and vegetables for pollen. When the allergic food touches the lips and mouth, it triggers a reaction.
Is It Possible to Outgrow Oral Allergy Syndrome?
When it comes to oral allergy syndrome going away with age, the data is limited. But while certain allergies can disappear as a child grows up, pollen tends to impact people of all ages. In fact, many adults find they first get hay fever in later years, as their immune system loses tolerance. If you do suffer from OAS, you shouldn’t expect to get relief without some form of treatment.
A silver lining for anyone with oral allergy syndrome is that heating fruits and vegetables changes the proteins. Therefore, if you discover a food that provokes a response, cooking it first allows you to still include it within your diet. For example, you may experience itching and swelling after eating a tomato, but cooked tomatoes and sauces have no impact.
How Do You Treat Oral Allergy Syndrome?
In order to treat OAS, it is necessary to perform allergy testing. An allergist will usually use a skin prick test to monitor responses to suspected allergens on the skin. Testing methods include a blood test and an oral food challenge test. Your allergist will also consider medical history to determine the nature of your allergy.
Oral allergy syndrome can be fairly mild for many people, though there is always the potential for anaphylaxis. Some OAS sufferers choose to remove the problem foods from their daily diet, particularly if tree nuts are the issue. But there are options available to you. While antihistamines and other medications can reduce the impact of a pollen allergy, a more long-term approach is the use of immunotherapy to desensitize your immune system to pollen. A consultation will get to the root of the problem and help find an appropriate treatment plan.
Get a Diagnosis for Oral Allergy Syndrome
Are you experiencing the symptoms of oral allergy syndrome? Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center diagnoses food allergies and develops treatment plans from locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Make an appointment by calling 678-668-4688 or requesting help online.
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