HomeMythbuster – Can food allergy and pollen allergy overlap?

Mythbuster – Can food allergy and pollen allergy overlap?

October 21, 2021

Myth Stamped in Red Ink with Rubber Hand Stamp

FACT: Yes, they can. Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), now usually called Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS), is a type of food allergy. With OAS/PFAS, the proteins in certain fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts are similar to those in pollens, and this “cross-reactivity” can cause allergic symptoms like an itchy mouth or throat. Symptoms may be worse in the cross-reactive pollen season. For example, if someone is allergic to birch tree pollen and has symptoms in the springtime, they may also experience symptoms from eating fresh fruits like apples.

Learn more:

Healthy food selection. Shopping bag full of fresh vegetables and fruits. Flat lay food on tableOral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)/Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS)

Tags: , ,