Home • Mythbuster: Do oral allergy syndrome (OAS)/pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) symptoms only happen during pollen season?

Mythbuster: Do oral allergy syndrome (OAS)/pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) symptoms only happen during pollen season?

July 29, 2025

FACT: No, not necessarily. 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 itchiness of the mouth and throat. Symptoms of OAS/PFAS can happen all year long, although sometimes people notice more severe symptoms during pollen season.