Oral Allergy Syndrome
Food allergy is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition affecting 32 million Americans. A food allergy occurs when the immune system – your body’s natural defenses – overreacts to certain foods or substances.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies and you’ve experienced an itchy mouth or scratchy throat after eating certain raw fruits or vegetables, and some tree nuts, you may have symptoms of Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), also called Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS).
At Shepherd Allergy, located in Huntington, WV, we’re here to help you or your child identify, understand, and diagnose common food allergies with expert care and long-term treatment solutions. If you’re always getting an itchy mouth after eating the same raw fruit or vegetable, schedule an appointment with Dr. Shepherd for diagnosis and treatment. Now treating patients in the Huntington and Barboursville areas of West Virginia, as well as surrounding Tristate regions of southern Ohio and eastern Kentucky.
If you or your child is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, seek EMERGENCY medical attention immediately.
Common Triggers
Birch pollen: apple, almond, carrot, celery, cherry, hazelnut, kiwi, peach, pear, plum
Grass pollen: celery, melons, oranges, peaches, tomato
Ragweed pollen: banana, cucumber, melons, sunflower seeds, zucchini
Symptoms
Itchy mouth
Scratchy throat
Swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, throat
Important Reminder
If you suspect you are having an anaphylactic allergic reaction, please follow these steps quickly:
1. Use an epinephrine auto-injector
2. Call 911 to be transported to nearest emergency room (Immediately AFTER using EpiPen)
3. Don’t wait - your life depends on it!
Diagnosis
Consult with an Allergist
Treatment
Avoidance of Trigger Foods in Raw Forms
Strict Avoidance of Trigger Foods
Auto injectable epinephrine