Oral Allergy Syndrome

There are two types of allergy that can affect the mouth. The first is known as oral allergy syndrome, which is similar to urticaria, and the second is contact allergic stomatitis, a condition very like contact allergic dermatitis.

The symptoms of ORAL ALLERGY SYNDROME (OAS), which are usually mild at first, include itching or tingling of the lips, mouth and throat, followed by the formation of blisters and swelling of the mouth and throat.

Oral Allergy Syndrome Causes

Symptoms usually start within 30 minutes of eating raw vegetables or fruit. At first only one or two foods are involved, but the sensitivity may spread to other foods, either in the same botanical family or unrelated. The syndrome is uncommon and, although almost everyone who develops OAS has a pollen allergy, very few people with a pollen allergy develop OAS.

In food allergy different foods are involved, including fish, peanuts (groundnuts) and certain medicines, such as aspirin. Food allergy also affects parts of the body other than the lips, mouth and throat.

Treatment Information for Oral Allergy Syndrome

If you find yourself developing symptoms of OAS, avoid swallowing any more of the food you are eating, and seek urgent medical attention. Your doctor will be able to confirm the diagnosis by arranging skin and blood tests. With the exception of carrots, a recurrence of symptoms can usually be avoided by cooking the food responsible. This changes the nature of the molecule to which the body is reacting. Individual medical advice, however, is essential.