Can food allergies be connected to pollen? What you should know in AL about the surprising link

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Food allergies may not always be what they seem, as a surprising connection to pollen can trigger them.

Oral Allergy Syndrome, also known as Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome, can result in people with pollen allergies experiencing symptoms like itching or swelling in the mouth and throat when consuming specific foods, even though they aren’t allergic to them.

Here is what we know about Oral Allergy Syndrome:

What is Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome?

People with PFAS are often allergic to birch, grass, and ragweed pollen.

The ACAAI website explains that Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) happens when the immune system reacts to proteins in both pollen and certain raw fruits, vegetables or tree nuts. This cross-reactivity makes the body mistake these food proteins for pollen, causing an allergic reaction.

If you have PFAS, you may still be able to eat these fruits and vegetables if they are cooked, as the heat changes the proteins that trigger the reaction.

Most individuals affected by PFAS typically experience itching in the mouth and throat and swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth and throat. Cases involving symptoms beyond these areas or resulting in anaphylaxis are considered rare.

What foods could trigger Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome?

If you experience hay fever and pollen allergies, this is the list of foods that could trigger PFAS:

Birch pollen: almond, apple, carrot, celery, cherry, hazelnut, kiwi, peach, pear, plum, potato and pumpkin seed

Grass pollen: kiwi, melon, peach and potato

Ragweed Pollen: banana, chamomile, cucumber, all melon, and zucchini

What is causing your allergies currently in Alabama?

The top allergens currently in Alabama are oak, mulberry, and juniper trees. As the season goes on, expect to feel effects from pine, oak, pecan, ash, olive, and sycamore.

Across the state, pollen levels range from medium high to high.

Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at [email protected].