Eating an apple also has an itchy mouth, you may have this strange syndrome

Have you ever had an unusual itchy mouth when eating some familiar fruits? Is this phenomenon dangerous?

Sometimes you may experience an itchy mouth when eating a certain fruit such as peach, apple or pear . The condition may be worse for some people when the itching lasts longer, spreads to the lips and causes their throat to swell. The problem is that you have never been allergic to these fruits in the past. Why is that?

According to the study, this phenomenon is known as oral allergy or fruit pollen allergy . This syndrome is often encountered in people with pollen allergies. When they come into contact with pollen and then eat a protein-rich fruit similar to that of pollen, their bodies immediately react.

Picture 1 of Eating an apple also has an itchy mouth, you may have this strange syndrome
Have you ever had an itchy mouth when eating a familiar fruit?

According to the American Institute of Allergy and Immunology, the most common symptoms of oral allergy syndrome are itching of the mouth along with swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, face and tongue. Symptoms will usually disappear if you swallow or release the eating fruit and will not need treatment.

Dr. Jacqueline Pongracic, head of the Department of Allergy and Immunology at Children's Hospital Ann and Robert H. Lurie, interviewed Business Insider: "Oral allergy syndrome is a very common phenomenon. Many people are sensitive to pollen and the more likely they are to experience this syndrome. "

Oral allergy syndrome can also occur when eating some herbs, and even some seeds.

Picture 2 of Eating an apple also has an itchy mouth, you may have this strange syndrome
Symptoms will usually disappear if you swallow or release the eating fruit and will not need treatment.

How to avoid cross-reactivity?

The reactions that occur can be seasonal and weather. The worst cases of oral allergies are often noted in the season with lots of pollen.

Therefore, avoiding exposure to too much pollen is also a preventive measure. The Mayo Clinic notes that allergenic proteins tend to be broken when they are cooked (which may be why people make baked peaches or cooked apples).

Picture 3 of Eating an apple also has an itchy mouth, you may have this strange syndrome
Oral allergy syndrome is a very common phenomenon.

However, not fruits can always be cooked or simply eat like that no longer tastes good. Mostly, symptoms tend to be confined to the mouth, but about 1-2% of cases can lead to hypersensitivity and require medical intervention.

So, if you have a history of allergy or feel an itchy mouth when eating a certain fruit, immediately release it. And you should consult a doctor immediately if the condition still does not improve.