Pollen Season and the Oral Allergy Syndrome

During the height of pollen season, people with seasonal allergies may notice that they begin to experience allergic reactions to fresh fruits and vegetables. These reactions, called the oral allergy syndrome (OAS), are due to similarities between certain pollens and proteins found in fresh produce. Symptoms of the OAS are usually mild, and include transient itching and tingling of the tongue, throat and mouth.

During the spring and early summer, tree and grass pollens are higher, which are associated with OAS to most fruits containing a pit and tomatoes, respectively. Find out more about the oral allergy syndrome and what can be done to treat it.

Learn more:

• OAS to apples and fruits containing pits (peaches, plums, cherries)
• OAS to tomatoes
• OAS to melons and bananas