Everyone in my family has seasonal allergies, grass, trees, pollen, but it’s never been more serious than being itchy eyes and sneezing, until a few weeks ago. My daughter was at an event and they got to sample different types of fruits. She had a small piece of nectarine, which she’s had in the past, and her tongue got tingly, her ears got itchy. This is when I decided to take her to see an allergist.
I was amazed to find out that there is such a thing as cross-reactions. It’s actually called Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) or Pollen-Food Syndrome. According to an article by Melissa Schultz in Allergy and Asthma Today, “When people who are sensitized to a particular pollen consume fruits and vegetables in the same plant family, their body mistakes one protein for the other. This protein cross-reaction can cause itching and swelling of the lips, moth or throat. Most OAS reactions are local and mild, and disappear with a glass of water. In very rare instances, however, asthma or anaphylactic shock may occur.”
Here are some examples of cross reaction. If you (or your child) are allergic to Grass pollen, you may find you have a problem with Tomato, Melon, or Watermelon and if you are allergic to Latex you should probably avoid banana, kiwi, chesnut, avocado, potato and papaya.
If you have any concerns or have experienced any symptoms or reactions as described above, you may want to consult an Allergist.
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