Blooming Tree Pollen & Oral Allergy Syndrome

Last week I wrote about cross reactors and how certain foods contain similar triggers to the pollens released into the air.  Since we are now entering the worst time of year for tree pollens I wanted to continue the conversation and talk about Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS).

Driving around Berkeley (or most any city in the Bay Area), we see the first signs of Spring in our early blooming trees.  The one that used to be my worst allergen is the Acacia, those gorgeous tall trees covered in yellow blossoms right now.

In addition to grasses and ragweed, Alder and Juniper are the most offensive pollens in our area, according to pollen.com.  These are known allergens for many people who suffer with common hay fever symptoms but they’re often responsible for a host of other symptoms such as asthma, fatigue, joint pain or digestive issues.

Although not everyone with a pollen allergy experiences Oral Allergy Syndrome when eating the following foods, feeling symptomatic is commonly associated with these allergens:

• Birch pollen: apple, almond, carrot, celery, cherry, hazelnut, kiwi, peach, pear, plum
• Grass pollen: celery, melons, oranges, peaches, tomato
• Ragweed pollen: banana, cucumber, melons, sunflower seeds, zucchini

Oral Allergy Syndrome sufferers may experience itchy mouth, scratchy throat, or swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat. Itchy ears are sometimes reported. Once the allergen is treated, patients are then able to tolerate the outdoor pollens as well as the corresponding foods symptom-free!.

For more information about our clinic and eliminating symptoms permanently, please visit allergyreliefclinics.com or call Russell at 415.515.7653.