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Food Allergies
Oral Allergy Syndrome
Itching or tingling in your mouth after eating certain raw fruits or vegetables — caused by cross-reactivity with pollen proteins (e.g., apples with birch pollen). Cooking the food usually solves it.
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Payel Gupta
Triple Board-Certified Allergist & Immunologist
Last reviewed: May 2026
Overview
Oral allergy syndrome (pollen-food syndrome) causes itching or swelling of the mouth, lips, or throat when eating raw fruits or vegetables that cross-react with pollen allergens.
symptoms
- Itching or tingling of lips, tongue, or throat
- Mild swelling of mouth or throat
- Symptoms usually limited to mouth area
- Often worse during pollen season
triggers
- Raw fruits (e.g., apple, peach, melon)
- Raw vegetables (e.g., celery, carrot)
- Certain tree nuts
- Associated with birch, ragweed, or grass pollen allergy
testing
- Skin or blood testing for pollen and related foods
- Oral challenge when needed to confirm
treatment
avoidance
- Peel or cook fruits and vegetables to reduce reaction
- Avoid raw cross-reactive foods if symptomatic
medications
- Antihistamines may reduce symptoms
- Treat underlying pollen allergy
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