The Makings of an Oral Allergy Syndrome Cookbook: Recipes for Oral Allergy Syndrome (2024)

FAQs

How long to microwave fruit for oral allergy syndrome? ›

Sometimes, peeling a fruit (because much of the allergen is in the skin) or microwaving it for at least 10 seconds will destroy enough of the allergen that the fruit does not cause symptoms anymore, but this does not work for everyone or for all foods.

A few studies have shown that allergy shots to the cross- reacting pollens can reduce or eliminate the OAS symptoms. Antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Benadryl, or Allegra can relieve the itching or mouth tingling. More severe reactions, although rare can be treated with epinephrine.

Someone with OAS may react to one or several foods in the same group. You do not necessarily have to avoid all foods that can cross-react if you can eat them without symptoms. If you have OAS to apples, for example, you can still eat pears if they do not cause problems.

What can I eat if I have OAS? You can still eat most foods if you have oral allergy syndrome. Most people with OAS have reactions to a few fruits, vegetables and nuts, but not all.

HOW IS ORAL ALLERGY SYNDROME TREATED? In most cases, simply avoiding the foods that cause symptoms, in their raw forms, is sufficient treatment. This might involve avoiding dried or dehydrated forms of the foods, since dried foods are not usually cooked and can still cause symptoms.

Eating canned food may also limit the reaction. And, peeling the food before eating may be helpful, as the offending protein is often concentrated in the skin. Some studies have shown that treatment with allergy shots can improve the symptoms of OAS.

Avoiding the raw or dried food that causes the symptoms is sufficient for most people. The same foods, when cooked, canned or peeled, are often better tolerated. If you have severe allergies, you must avoid the food, and talk to your provider about carrying an epinephrine autoinjector.

What is the most powerful natural antihistamine? Researchers haven't yet established any natural product as the “best” or “most powerful.” Natural antihistamines with the most research backing their use include stinging nettle, vitamin C, quercetin, butterbur, bromelain, and probiotics.

OAS is likely to be life long and some children will become allergic to other fruit and vegetables. If your child has mild oral allergy syndrome, they may tolerate peeled fruit, unripe or partially ripened fruit or really fresh fruit that's just been picked.

How long does it take for oral allergy syndrome to go away? ›

The symptoms of oral allergy syndrome, or pollen-food allergy syndrome, typically last about 5 to 30 minutes after the food is consumed and usually resolve without treatment. It may sometimes last as long as a few hours. A common treatment is to take an antihistamine.

Similar to antihistamines, there's no “strongest” nasal steroid. However, a review of multiple studies suggests Nasonex may be the most effective for seasonal allergies. The same review found Rhinocort to be the most effective for year-round allergies. Nasal steroids generally take longer to work than antihistamines.

For your worst allergy symptoms, nothing works faster or stronger* than Allegra 24-Hour Adult Non-Drowsy Antihistamine Tablets. Allegra Tablets start working in one hour to give you round-the-clock relief from sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and itchy nose or throat.

Oral Allergy Syndrome Medications

However, H1 antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec, and Benadryl can help reduce symptoms of OAS once they do occur. Some patients can experience severe symptoms with OAS that do not resolve quickly.

Cooking destroys the pollen related fruit allergens. Therefore cooked fruits are often safe for people with pollen-related fruit allergy. Other reactions to fruit may be more severe, for example peach allergy as found in Southern Europe.

If you have mild allergic symptoms you may be prescribed antihistamine medicine that you take by mouth. If you are at risk of anaphylaxis, you may be prescribed adrenaline to use in an emergency. Adrenaline comes in pre-loaded adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) that are designed to be easy to use.

Antihistamines are a common medication for hay fever, but they can also have positive benefits for fruit allergies caused by OAS. Histamine is released during an allergic reaction – it's this substance that causes allergy symptoms.