Help for Oral Allergy Syndrome

Pollen in the air may not be to blame for some allergy symptoms.

If your mouth gets scratchy or itchy when you eat certain foods, it could be Oral Allergy Syndrome.

It's a reaction to fruits and vegetables that have proteins that are similar to pollen.

In the spring, the biggest culprits are raw apples, celery, carrots and cherries.

But you shouldn't have to avoid them altogether.

Dr. Carah Santos of the National Jewish Health says, "Many patients who cannot tolerate the raw fruits and vegetable forms of certain foods often are able to tolerate the cooked, processed and/or peeled forms of these foods."

Allergists say this helps to remove the protein that causes the reaction.

But if you have severe symptoms, you should talk with your healthcare provider.

----------

Send a breaking news alert
Report a correction or typo
Learn more about the 6abc apps