Question 1

What is Oral Allergy Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), also known as pollen-food allergy syndrome, is an allergic reaction in the mouth and throat that occurs when eating certain raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It is caused by cross-reactivity between proteins in pollen (such as birch, ragweed, and grass pollens) and similar proteins found in these foods. The IgG4 Food Panel IV is the most important test for identifying immune responses to foods commonly associated with oral allergy syndrome.

Question 2

What causes Oral Allergy Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Oral Allergy Syndrome is caused by cross-reactivity between proteins in pollen and similar proteins found in certain raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts. When you have an allergy to tree pollen (especially birch), grass pollen, or ragweed pollen, your immune system recognizes structurally similar proteins in foods and mistakenly identifies them as allergens. This triggers an allergic response localized to your mouth and throat, causing symptoms like itching, tingling, or swelling when you eat these raw foods.

Question 3

What is the best test for Oral Allergy Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The IgG4 Food Panel IV is the most important test for Oral Allergy Syndrome because it detects immune responses to multiple foods commonly associated with the condition, including peaches, lettuce, and other trigger foods. This comprehensive panel identifies cross-reactivity patterns between birch or ragweed pollen allergies and related foods. Additional essential tests include the Respiratory Allergy Panel for your region to identify underlying pollen allergies, and specific IgE tests for individual foods like Fig (f328) IgE or Coriander/Cilantro (f317) IgE to measure immediate allergic responses. Testing both pollen allergies and food-specific antibodies helps confirm the cross-reactivity pattern and guides you in managing your diet effectively.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Oral Allergy Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience itching, tingling, or swelling of your lips, mouth, tongue, or throat immediately after eating raw fruits, vegetables, or nuts, especially if you already have seasonal allergies or hay fever. Testing is particularly important if you notice your symptoms worsen during specific pollen seasons, if you react to multiple raw foods from the same plant family, or if cooked versions of the same foods do not cause symptoms. Early testing helps you identify specific trigger foods and underlying pollen allergies so you can make informed dietary choices and avoid unnecessary reactions.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Oral Allergy Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Oral Allergy Syndrome symptoms typically appear within minutes of eating raw fruits, vegetables, or nuts and include itching or tingling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat. You might also experience swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat, a scratchy sensation in the back of your throat, or mild swelling of the tongue. In most cases, symptoms are confined to the mouth area and resolve within minutes to an hour after you stop eating the trigger food. Rarely, symptoms can progress to more serious reactions, so it is important to monitor your response carefully.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Oral Allergy Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

People with seasonal allergies to tree pollen (especially birch), grass pollen, or ragweed are at highest risk for developing Oral Allergy Syndrome. The condition typically develops in older children, teenagers, and adults who have had pollen allergies for several years. You are more likely to experience OAS if you live in areas with high pollen counts or if you have multiple environmental allergies. People with atopic conditions like eczema or asthma may also have an increased risk of developing cross-reactive food allergies.

Question 7

What happens if Oral Allergy Syndrome is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If Oral Allergy Syndrome is left untreated and you continue eating trigger foods, you may experience ongoing discomfort and increasingly frequent allergic reactions in your mouth and throat. While OAS rarely causes severe anaphylaxis, repeated exposure can potentially lead to more intense reactions over time. Unidentified trigger foods can significantly impact your quality of life, causing you to avoid nutritious fruits and vegetables unnecessarily or continue eating foods that cause discomfort. Testing and proper management help you understand which foods to avoid in their raw form while identifying safe alternatives and preparation methods.

Question 8

Can Oral Allergy Syndrome be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Oral Allergy Syndrome can be diagnosed through blood tests that measure specific IgE and IgG antibodies to foods and pollens. Blood tests like the IgG4 Food Panel IV and specific IgE tests for individual foods identify which proteins trigger your immune response and help establish cross-reactivity patterns between pollen and food allergens. Additionally, respiratory allergy panels that test for birch, ragweed, and grass pollen allergies help confirm the underlying pollen sensitivity that causes OAS. These blood tests, combined with your symptom history, provide comprehensive information to guide your dietary management.

Question 9

How is Oral Allergy Syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

Oral Allergy Syndrome is primarily treated by avoiding raw forms of trigger foods or using preparation methods that denature the allergenic proteins. Cooking, baking, microwaving, or canning fruits and vegetables typically breaks down the cross-reactive proteins, making them safe to eat. Peeling fruits may also help since allergens are often concentrated in the skin. Some people find relief by taking antihistamines before eating trigger foods, though this should only be done under medical supervision. In some cases, treating your underlying pollen allergy with immunotherapy may reduce the severity of OAS symptoms.

Question 10

How can I prevent Oral Allergy Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Preventing Oral Allergy Syndrome symptoms involves identifying and avoiding raw forms of your trigger foods while managing your underlying pollen allergies. Once you know which foods cause reactions through blood testing, you can prepare them in ways that eliminate the problematic proteins, such as cooking, heating, or processing. Managing seasonal allergies with antihistamines or allergy immunotherapy may also reduce OAS symptoms. Keeping a food diary helps you track which specific varieties of fruits or vegetables trigger reactions, as some cultivars may be better tolerated than others.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Oral Allergy Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can manage Oral Allergy Syndrome by cooking or heating trigger foods before eating them, as heat breaks down the cross-reactive proteins that cause symptoms. Peeling fruits and vegetables may also help reduce your reaction since allergens concentrate in the skin. If you accidentally eat a trigger food, rinsing your mouth with water and taking an over-the-counter antihistamine can provide relief from mild symptoms. Keeping a detailed record of which foods cause reactions and during which pollen seasons helps you identify patterns and make informed choices about your diet.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Oral Allergy Syndrome Blood Test

What is Oral Allergy Syndrome?

What causes Oral Allergy Syndrome?

What is the best test for Oral Allergy Syndrome?

When should I get tested for Oral Allergy Syndrome?

References

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