Oral Allergy Syndrome

Sometimes my mouth tingles when I eat melons - is this a food allergy?

If you also happen to be allergic to ragweed pollen, you may be experiencing a type of allergy called "oral allergy syndrome".  This occurs when eating fruits or vegetables containing proteins that are cousins of pollen proteins, especially during that specific pollen season.  So eating melons during the early fall, when ragweed pollens are high, can result in itching or tingling of the lips or mouth.  People with birch pollen allergy may react in this way when eating apples.  

Are these symptoms dangerous?

Unlike peanut or shellfish proteins, which often cause serious allergic reactions, these fruit proteins are rapidly broken down by enzymes in your mouth or stomach, making it very unlikely that they will make it into your bloodstream to cause a severe reaction.

As with all allergy symptoms, however, it is advisable to have any adverse reactions to a food checked out by an allergist for specific recommendations.

For more information, visit our website at www.southbayallergy.com.