Itchy Mouth May Be Tied To Produce, Ragweed            

Does your mouth or throat become itchy after eating fresh fruits or vegetables this time of year? For the 36 million people suffering from ragweed allergies, it is important to know about pollen-food syndrome, also known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS), caused by allergens such as ragweed, according to Warren V. Filley, M.D. , board certified allergist at the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic (OAAC).

            Each year, ragweed begins to bloom in August. The pollen released from ragweed is the airborne allergen most responsible for the onslaught of allergy symptoms at this time of year, Filley said.

            The ragweed pollen can make its way to other plants causing a reaction in allergic individuals. Itchiness of the mouth and throat with mild swelling immediately after eating fresh fruits or vegetables are common symptoms of OAS. Individuals with ragweed allergies might experience these symptoms when consuming foods such as:

�          Banana

�          Cucumber

�          Melon

�          Zucchini

�          Sunflower seeds

�          Chamomile tea

�          Echinacea

            OAS is also common in people with birch tree pollen allergies. Foods that can trigger a reaction in people with this allergy include:

�          Peach

�          Apple

�          Pear

�          Cherry

�          Carrot

�          Hazelnut

�          Kiwi

�          Almonds

            Generally, cooking the food will eliminate a reaction, but not always. Sometimes, it is possible for the OAS to induce severe throat swelling or even a systemic reaction in a person who is highly allergic.

            If you are having problems with allergies, contact an OAAC board certified allergist at (405) 235-0040.