Managing Oral Allergy Syndrome

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If you have oral allergy syndrome (OAS), chances are that you also have seasonal allergies to pollen from trees such as birch and alder, or you’re allergic to ragweed or grass pollens.

Roughly one-third of North Americans with pollen-related allergies are thought to be affected. It’s not clear why the other two-thirds of hay fever sufferers are not similarly affected.

Managing the Condition

To avoid or mitigate its effects, doctors recommend you manage your hay fever symptoms through antihistamines, an intranasal steroid or seasonal allergy shots.

Do Not: Eat any of the fruits or vegetables on your list of offenders in their raw form. Bake them, broil them or even microwave them for one minute at between 80 to 90 degrees Celsius. Make a pie or make preserves.

Do: Try peeling fruit because scientists say the allergens tend to concentrate in the skin. Others slice fruit and leave it exposed for half an hour before eating it.

Do Not: Avoid all foods on the lists, only the ones you have reactions to.

Be Aware: You may increase the severity of an OAS reaction by drinking alcohol or exercising after consuming an allergenic food.

More Serious Cases

In more severe OAS cases, a regimen of year-round allergy shots can help, allergists suggest carrying an epinephrine auto-injector. Consult your doctor for more information on your own case.