What kind of fruit are you allergic to?

13th July 2022

What kind of fruit are you allergic to?

Not too long ago, we talked about fruit allergies and a condition called ‘pollen food syndrome’. This is something that affects 2% of UK adults and means they have a reaction when they eat fruit. As the name suggests, it’s about pollen-bearing fruit and there can be crossover with hay fever.

But it’s not as simple as being allergic to all fruit. Which fruit you’re allergic to is likely linked to a particular type of pollen allergy. As you may know, seasonal allergies affect people in different ways. Some might feel it earlier in the year because of tree pollen, or later in the year because of weed pollen. And, depending on which affects you, it might change what fruit you can or can’t eat.

This happens because the protein structure in plant-based food is similar to pollen in trees, grasses, and weeds. This is called “cross reactivity”. So let’s take a closer look at which fruits are linked to which pollen…

Tree pollen

When we say tree pollen, it isn’t necessarily all trees. The most likely causes come from the similarity with birch or alder trees. Now, this isn’t a guarantee. Just because you have a tree-pollen allergy doesn’t mean you’re going to react to these fruits. But there may be a link.

Here are some common culprits associated with tree pollen:

• Apple
• Apricot
• Strawberry
• Peach
• Pear
• Plum

While we’re here, it isn’t just linked to fruits. It can also involve vegetables such as celery, potatoes, tomatoes, and green peppers, along with nuts like almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts.

Grass pollen

People allergic to grass pollen are likely going to feel the effects in the summer months. So if you’re struggling with hay fever right now, this is who to point the finger at. Fruits you might be allergic to could include:

• Kiwi
• Melon
• Orange
• Dates

Again, this could also affect vegetables, in which case it could lead to allergic reactions to potatoes, peas, and wheat. You can also add peanuts to the list.

Weed pollen

Weed pollen is likely to affect you in autumn, as that’s when weeds – such as ragweed – release it. When it comes to fruit, weed pollen has been linked with:

• Banana
• Melon
• Watermelon

When it comes to vegetables, it could include cucumbers and carrots. No matter the pollen, not everyone with a seasonal allergy will also have a matching fruit allergy. Some studies have shown that three-quarters of people sensitive to pollen develop pollen food syndrome, and others say that having more than one pollen sensitivity is also linked to developing the condition.

But it isn’t always the case. And even if you do have it, the symptoms might be so mild while eating the fruit that you don’t even realise. So if you want to be safe and make sure, consult your GP or an allergy specialist today.

If you want an allergist to talk to about how your allergies affect you, reach out to us today. We’re always happy to welcome you as a new patient, or you can just give us a call on 02031 433 449.

Everything you need to know about fruit allergies

30th March 2022

Everything you need to know about fruit allergies

When you want a sweet snack, is there anything better than fruit? It’s the healthy alternative. It tastes good. It’s natural. What’s not to love? Well, for some people, there’s plenty to not love – especially when it triggers an allergic reaction.

Around 2% of UK adults have something called “pollen food syndrome”, causing a reaction when they eat fruit. But what else do you need to know about it? Let’s look at fruit allergies and what you can do about them.

More about fruit allergies

So, to start, what is pollen food syndrome? It’s a sensitivity to not only fruits, but vegetables and nuts too. AKA, plant-based food. As you can tell from the name, it’s related to pollen-bearing fruit and how a sensitivity to pollen also affects a person’s reaction to fruit. So there may be some crossover with hay fever.

This tends to happen with raw and fresh fruit. The proteins that cause the pollen food syndrome will change when heated or digested. So an allergic response is usually mild and immediate.

Do note that this isn’t the only cause of people reacting to fruit. Pretty much any food can cause a serious allergic reaction, and fruit is no different. In these cases, it likely isn’t pollen food syndrome, but an allergy to a specific fruit or fruit family.

Symptoms to look out for

In milder cases, you might experience:

• Swelling around the mouth and tongue
• Itching around the throat
• Oesophagus or stomach problems
• Sneezing or itchy eyes (or other hay-fever-like symptoms)

As we said before, it can be more severe. In those cases, you’re likely to see:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Anaphylaxis

For these serious symptoms, medical attention will be needed. Anaphylaxis is a dangerous reaction that can result in death.

What can cause a fruit allergy

What you react to with pollen food syndrome depends on the type of pollen you’re allergic to. A birch tree allergy, for example, might mean you react to apples, apricots, cherries, or kiwis.

Whereas an allergy to grass pollen might mean you react to melon or watermelon. And if it’s weed pollen, you could react to bananas. These lists aren’t exhaustive. What’s important is that you know what kind of allergies you have.

Because when you have this information, it makes it easier to avoid the fruits that can trigger you. If you’ve ever noticed a strange reaction to fruit, this could be the culprit. Now is the best time to talk with an allergy specialist about figuring out what the specific causes are. This will help you separate pollen food syndrome from other allergies and allow you to eat with true peace of mind.

Talk to one of our experts today. We can guide you through your allergy test results and advise you on how to live safely. To find out more, reach out to us on 02031 433 449. You can also join as a new patient here.

What is oral allergy syndrome?

14th April 2021

What is oral allergy syndrome?

Do you ever get that funny feeling in your mouth after eating where your tongue feels itchy, your throat feels scratchy, and your lips go numb? It’s possible you have oral allergy syndrome. 

There will be plenty of people out there who don’t even realise they have a food allergy. They eat some pineapple and think that swelling feeling in their mouth is just what happens when you eat it. It’s not until their friends throw them puzzled looks that they realise it’s not quite so normal.

These are signs of an allergy, we just might not realise it. So what are some of the warning signs? And what even is oral allergy syndrome?

Symptom triggers

Oral allergy syndrome – sometimes known as pollen fruit syndrome – comes from eating raw fruit, raw vegetables, or nuts. To put it in its simplest terms, when you eat certain foods, your body confuses the protein with pollen proteins. Symptoms can range from numb, swollen lips, itchy mouth, and scratchy throat to full-blown anaphylaxis, although severe reactions are rare. Symptoms tend to be worse when pollen levels are high.

Different people are triggered by different foods, but apples are a common one, resulting in symptoms for around 50-70% of people with an allergy to birch pollen and mugwort pollen. Citrus fruits are also common triggers for oral allergy syndrome, as well as bananas, celery, hazelnut and zucchini. 

Treating and managing symptoms

The best treatment for oral allergy syndrome is to simply avoid the foods that trigger symptoms. Some people with oral allergy syndrome continue to eat the food but cook it instead of eating it raw, but this can be dangerous, especially if you have severe symptoms or if they include the swelling of the throat.

While it might be harmless, you can never be too careful. For this reason, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid the foods that trigger your symptoms and get an allergy test to check. Getting a test eliminates the possibility of it being something more sinister and allows you to treat your allergy as best as possible.

Allergy Clinic London has a team of experts that can help you control your allergies. Book a test with us now on 02031 433 449.

Four bizarre allergies that actually exist

5th June 2019

Four bizarre allergies that actually exist

Getting people to understand common allergies, such as peanuts or pollen, is difficult enough. Try explaining that you’re allergic to any surface a cockroach walks on or you’re allergic to the proteins found in raw fruit and vegetables.

There are many allergies that sound stranger than fiction. But it’s time to separate myth from fact and reveal some uncommon allergies that may not get the spotlight they deserve.

Cockroaches

For those of us that live in the UK, cockroaches are rare and shouldn’t be too much of a problem. However, holidays in hotter countries may cause a bit of bother. If you’re allergic, cockroach bodies and their waste can induce symptoms similar to hay fever, along with skin rashes.

Raw fruits and vegetables

For those wishing to eat a healthy diet, being allergic to raw fruits and vegetables can be a nightmare. Sadly, many people will question whether you’re allergic and say you’re being fussy.

The problem is called ‘oral allergy syndrome’ and causes itching, burning, and pain in the throat. It occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to the proteins found in fruits and vegetables.

Mobile phones

What could possibly cause a mobile phone allergy? Unfortunately, for some of us, our bodies react to the presence of nickel or low levels of radiation. It can lead to a skin reaction that causes redness, welts, and itching.

Allergy medicine

Being allergic to the very thing that can treat your allergies is a cruel twist of fate. Some people’s immune systems react to the dyes or other ingredients used in common allergy medication. Thankfully, allergists can provide alternatives to help you treat your allergies.

These are just a small handful of bizarre allergies that many people don’t even know exist. If you’re experiencing any allergy symptoms you’re unsure about, it’s worth visiting a professional who can diagnose and treat you.

If you need help understanding your allergies, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with The London Allergy and Immunology Centre. Our specialist consultants can help you find the best treatments to make sure your allergies don’t take their toll on your daily life. Give us a call on 02 031 433 449 today.