People suffering from allergies to pollen and other forms of weeds have to worry about more than just the air that they breathe. Individuals with pollen allergies must also be wary of the foods that they ingest if they wish to keep their symptoms under complete control. The problem still lies in the pollen and not the food itself, however. These individuals are not necessarily suffering from food allergies but are experiencing what is technically referred to as OAS or Oral Allergy Syndrome. Nearly 70 percent of the people who suffer from general pollen allergies also experience the added complication of oral allergy syndromeas well, making it a very common concern. Most people only experience mild symptoms that include a slight swelling around the mouth and in the throat, although OAS symptoms have the potential to become very serious.
The foods that are typically responsible for causing pollen allergy symptoms to arise include a small percentage of nuts and seeds, fresh fruits, and raw or undercooked vegetables. While food allergies are due to certain elements inherent to the offending food item, OAS occurs for an entirely different reason. During the time of year that pollen is at its worst, the body begins to defend itself by creating a specific plant protein that is meant to fight off pollen allergy symptoms. This protein is good at fighting off pollen. However, it also creates what is referred to as a cross-reaction with pollen that comes in combination with certain foods.
Sufferers should make themselves aware of the most common foods that create this cross-reaction in order to avoid an extreme amount of discomfort this coming allergy season. While a particular allergy can be largely determinate of whether or not a reaction will occur, some of the following foods are ones that should inspire a particular amount of caution: Figs, melons, tomatoes, and oranges all rank high on the list when it comes to triggering a reaction. If weed pollen poses a specific threat, ragweeds in particular, then one should be careful to avoid bananas, cucumbers, melons, zucchini, and cantaloupe. Again, these items present the most risk when consumed in their raw form. Also high on the list of offenders are strawberries, cherries, almonds, and celery. Should a mistake be made that results in a reaction, then symptoms will appear almost immediately. In addition to keeping a careful eye on foods, people suffering from Oral Allergy Syndrome can be protected by reducing the intake of artificial sweeteners and taking products aimed at boosting the immune response.
If you have severe pollen allergies and are experiencing similar symptoms after eating certain foods, don’t wait another day, call the allergists at Asthma and Allergy Associates in Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Canon City NOW! They can help diagnose your symptoms and get you on a treatment plan to keep you from suffering any longer. They are there for you!