Unusual Allergies You Won't Believe Exist

Oral Allergy Syndrome

Oral allergy syndrome is a type of food allergy that predominantly affects individuals with asthma or hay fever triggered by tree pollen, particularly those who consume fresh (raw) fruits or vegetables. Other pollen allergies can also instigate OAS, with a higher incidence observed in adults compared to children.

The underlying cause of oral allergy syndrome lies in the cross-reactivity between plant proteins present in pollen and those found in fruits or vegetables. When individuals with pollen allergies ingest raw fruits or vegetables, their immune system detects the structural similarity and initiates an allergic reaction. Notably, many OAS patients can safely consume the same fruits or vegetables when cooked, as the cooking process alters the proteins sufficiently to evade immune system recognition, distinguishing them from pollen. Occasionally, reactions may also occur with foods within the same botanical family, such as potato and carrot, parsley and celery, or apple and pear.

Where Do We Find This Stuff? Here Are Our Sources:

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