Board-certified Allergy Doctors in Phoenix Recommend Consultation at the First Signs of Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome

People who develop Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome, also known as Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), experience adverse reactions to certain fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, and melons. In reality, a person suffering from this condition is allergic to tree pollens, and some common fruits and vegetables have proteins similar to these pollens, thereby triggering an allergic reaction upon consumption. As reported by News4jax.com, Dr. Cascya Charlot of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology disclosed that this condition is fairly common and affects about 60% to 70% of patients with hay fever or seasonal allergy.

In Phoenix, Arizona, about 35% of the residents suffer from hay fever typically triggered by plant and tree pollens, so majority of this group can also be expected to suffer from OAS. As Dr. Charlot states, most cases of OAS are not life threatening. In any case, proper identification of food allergies is still extremely important, to rule out possible complications. Patients who experience symptoms associated with OAS are, thus, advised to see board-certified allergy doctors in Phoenix right away.

The news report further states that Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome can develop as early as kindergarten age, but allergists also say it can manifest in adulthood after constant exposure to pollen. In most cases, the symptoms go away after a few minutes. However, severe allergies can also result in life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

Pollen allergy is typically associated with the onset of spring, when trees, grasses, and weeds start to grow. With the dry weather in Phoenix, however, the growing season is year-round, so pollen allergy can strike any time. The most common symptoms of OAS include itching of the mouth and tongue, diarrhea, and facial swelling; signs that may appear as early as thirty minutes after eating the trigger food.

Medical specialists say it is best for the patient to see an allergist while the symptoms are present so the latter can make a proper diagnosis. A trusted Phoenix allergist, such as those at the Adult & Pediatric Allergy Associates P.C., usually conducts a thorough examination that includes studying the patient’s history, skin tests, and possible blood analysis. The tests help the doctors determine if the patient’s condition is just a harmless case of OAS, or a more severe, life-threatening food allergy.

Once the condition has been properly diagnosed, the allergist recommends the appropriate treatment and preventive measures. Patients should avoid foods that trigger Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome, or cook, peel, and can these foods before eating them, as a precaution, the article points out. A board-certified allergist can help identify these foods, prescribe the right medications, and/or administer the necessary allergy shots.