What is the layman's term for Oral Allergy Syndrome?

From the Guidelines

The layman's term for Oral Allergy Syndrome is "pollen-food syndrome" or simply "oral allergy syndrome". This condition occurs when people who are allergic to pollen experience allergic reactions when eating certain raw fruits, vegetables, or nuts. The symptoms typically include itching or tingling in the mouth, lips, throat, and sometimes swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat shortly after consuming these foods. These reactions happen because proteins in these foods are similar in structure to pollen proteins, causing the immune system to mistake them for pollen allergens. The condition is most common in people with hay fever or seasonal allergies, as noted in studies such as 1. Cooking these foods often breaks down the proteins responsible for the reaction, so cooked versions may be tolerated. If you experience these symptoms, you might want to avoid the triggering raw foods or cook them thoroughly before eating. For severe reactions, antihistamines can help manage symptoms, but epinephrine may be necessary for more serious reactions involving breathing difficulties. Some studies, like 1 and 1, suggest that immunotherapy might be beneficial in reducing symptoms of oral allergy syndrome, but more investigation is required to substantiate this claim. It's essential to consult an allergist-immunologist to determine the best course of action for managing oral allergy syndrome, as they can evaluate the reactions and advise on which foods to avoid and how to assess the risk of severe reactions, as mentioned in 1. In general, the management of oral allergy syndrome focuses on avoiding the triggering foods and managing symptoms when they occur, with the goal of improving quality of life and reducing the risk of severe reactions.

From the Research

Oral Allergy Syndrome Layman's Term

The layman's term for Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) is also known as:

• Pollen-food allergy (PFS) 2
• Pollen-food allergy syndrome 3, 4

Characteristics of Oral Allergy Syndrome

OAS is characterized by:

• Local reactions in the mouth and throat after consuming certain raw plant foods in individuals sensitized to pollen from grass, weeds, and trees 3
• Symptoms usually limited to the oral cavity but can include systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis 3
• Hypersensitivity reaction to plant-based foods, manifesting most commonly with pruritus of the lips, tongue, and mouth 4

Other Terms Used to Describe Oral Allergy Syndrome

Other terms used to describe OAS include:

• Latex-fruit syndrome 2
• Birch-apple syndrome, with apple, pear, and plum being the most commonly associated foods 3