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Southwest Allergy & Asthma Center
Locations:
Plano
6100 Windcom Court,
Suite 101
Plano, Texas 75093
Serving: Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Carrollton, Richardson, Lewisville, Garland, Dallas, The Colony, Addison, Coppell, Little Elm, Celina, Prosper, Sachse, Murphy, Wylie, Rockwall, Lucas and Rowlett
(972) 398 - 3500Telephone:
(972) 398 - 3512FAX:
Denison
In the Texoma Medical Plaza adjacent to the new Texoma Medical Center
5012 South US HWY 75,
Suite 150
Denison, Texas 75020
Serving: Denison, Sherman, Bonham, Gainesville, Pottsboro, Van Alstyne, McKinney, Prosper, Durant (OK) and Madill (OK)
(903) 463 - 8400Telephone:
(903) 463 - 8500FAX:
McKinney
7785 Eldorado Pkwy,
Suite 500
McKinney, Texas 75070
Serving: McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Celina, Prosper, Sachse, Murphy, Wylie, Rockwall, Lucas and Rowlett
(972) 542 - 0500Telephone:
(972) 398 - 3512FAX:
Allen
In Twin Creeks Medical Center Two
1101 Raintree Cir,
Suite 140
Allen, Texas 75013
Serving: McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Celina, Prosper, Sachse, Murphy, Wylie, Rockwall, Lucas and Rowlett
(469) 656 - 1057Telephone:
(972) 398 - 3512FAX:
Frisco
12950 Dallas Pkwy,
Suite 700
Frisco, Texas 75033
Serving: McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Celina, Prosper, Sachse, Murphy, Wylie, Rockwall, Lucas and Rowlett
(972) 569 - 8500Telephone:
(972) 398 - 3512FAX:
 | Going Green to help you breathe easier! |
Oral Allergy Syndrome
What is oral allergy syndrome?
Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a localized reaction affecting the mouth, lips, tongue and throat after eating certain fresh fruits, nuts or vegetables. This is typically found in patients who have significant allergy to outside pollens like grass pollen, birch tree pollen or ragweed pollen.
What are the symptoms?
The most common reaction is an itching or burning sensation in the lips, mouth and throat. Sometimes other reactions can be triggered such as swelling of the lips, tongue and a sensation of throat tightness. If one swallows the food and the allergen is not destroyed by the stomach acid, one may have vomiting, diarrhea, cramps or severe indigestion. Rarely, this condition can be life threatening. Typically, this reaction is short lived and without significant issue or consequence.
Why does pollen allergy cause oral allergy syndrome?
Allergies to certain pollens may cause a reaction to a food that contains similar types of proteins. This is called cross reactivity.
How do you treat oral allergy syndrome?
Avoiding foods that trigger reactions is the best treatment. Cooking foods may also eliminate reactions to some of the foods that cause oral allergy syndrome.
Antihistamines may help prevent or control reactions. An epinephrine injector may be needed in patients who have a history of severe reactions called anaphylaxis, although this is rare with oral allergy syndrome. Allergy shots for the relevant pollen allergy may also help reduce reactivity.
What are some of the pollens that may cross react with foods and cause oral allergy syndrome?
If you are allergic to the following pollens, you may experience symptoms of OAS with the following foods:
- Birch pollen: almonds, apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, carrots, celery, cherries, chicory, coriander, fennel, fig, hazelnuts, kiwifruit, nectarines, parsley, parsnips, peaches, pears, peppers, plums, potatoes, prunes, soy, strawberries, wheat, walnuts
- Grass pollen: melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew), tomatoes, oranges
- Mugwort pollen: carrots, celery, coriander, fennel, parsley, peppers, sunflower
- Ragweed pollen: banana, cantaloupe, cucumber, honey dew, watermelon, zucchini, Echinacea, artichoke, dandelions, hibiscus or chamomile tea