What is a Fruit Allergy?

A fruit allergy is an adverse immune system response that occurs when someone is exposed to certain fruits. The condition is also commonly referred to as oral allergy syndrome or fruit pollen syndrome. Symptoms are usually mild and typically include skin irritation or itching in and around the mouth. A person may not necessarily be allergic to all fruits, and he or she may be able to tolerate fruit in certain forms. Many people with fruit allergies might also be allergic to a number of vegetables as well.

Some people are particularly susceptible to certain types of fruit allergies, such as citrus or berries. Often, their sensitivities may depend on whether they also suffer from other types of allergies. Some medical professionals claim that the majority of people with hayfever also have oral allergy symptoms. Furthermore, some experts claim that having a reaction to specific fruits is frequently associated with allergies to different types of pollen. Those who are affected by birch pollen, for example, may have reactions to fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, and kiwifruit. Many people with ragweed sensitivities find that they cannot eat bananas or melons.

Generally, allergies to fresh fruit are more common than problems with fruit in other forms. Since cooking the item usually eliminates a protein that causes the sensitivity, most canned, baked, and otherwise processed fruits do not often cause as many unpleasant reactions. A common example cited by specialists is an allergy to raw apples. Someone with this sensitivity might have no problem consuming products like baked apples, applesauce, or apple juice.

Unlike some other food allergies, a fruit allergy generally has more to do with touching it than with fully ingesting it. Telltale symptoms can include hives, as well as a burning or itching sensation in the mouth, and any surrounding areas that the fruit has touched. In some cases, someone’s tongue and throat might also be affected, as well as the eyes and nose. Fruit allergy symptoms are typically mild, but in some cases they can be potentially life-threatening. Examples of dangerous symptoms can include difficulty breathing or swallowing.

To help determine if an individual has a fruit allergy, he or she could observe any physical reactions to specific fruits and record this information in a food diary. Repeated reactions to certain types of fruits might suggest that the person should consult an allergist. There are numerous methods that a specialist can use to determine the presence of an allergy, including skin and blood tests. The next steps, after diagnosis, can include eliminating certain foods from the diet and, in serious cases, instructing the individual on how to handle a severe reaction.