We have officially made it through Winter! Daily temperatures are warming up, and soon we’ll be in the full swing of Spring. While all of us are thankful for comfortable weather, some people will soon be facing allergy season. If you have allergies and experience an itchy mouth and throat, along with itchy eyes and a runny nose, you may be surprised by the culprits. Would you guess that fresh fruits and vegetables could be to blame?
Oral Allergy Syndrome affects people who already experience seasonal allergies. Without getting too scientific, your body essentially recognizes the similarities between the proteins found in fruits and vegetables and the tree pollen that is causing your allergies, and this triggers a reaction. The result can be an itchy mouth, throat, and lips.
Most likely, as an allergy sufferer, you have experienced this sensation but were not aware of the connection to the foods that you eat. However, you can arm yourself with knowledge and prevent unnecessary discomfort with the following steps:
Know the Symptoms
Symptoms will come on almost instantly and will typically be present within a few minutes. Be on the lookout for itching and tingling in the mouth and throat, and any swelling in your lips. Staying aware of the symptoms will help you identify the foods that are causing you trouble.
Keep Track of Problem Foods
Once you are aware of the symptoms, pay attention to the foods that cause a reaction. Some of the most common culprits to watch out for are: apples, peaches, plums, cherries, nectarines, hazelnuts, almonds, carrots, and melons. Identifying these foods will help you choose other options that do not cause discomfort. Seeking the help of an allergist will take out the guesswork by clearly identifying your common allergy triggers.