Allergic to apples ...?

Question

Okay well I love apples but they make my gums swell and itch. I eat them anyways though, do you think that is okay ?

Answer 1

Hello, those symptoms are called Oral Allergy Syndrome, The Apples cross-react with Birch Tree Pollen. I have the same problem too with most fruits and veggies. A friend of mine mentioned that she has problems with certain foods causing burning in her mouth and throat. She also has allergies to pollens that cause runny nose and watery eyes. Her doctor said the two are related. Is this true? I have allergies to pollens also, but I've never had any problem with foods causing my mouth to burn. -- C.R.F., Arkansas

Yes, there is a cross-reactivity between some pollens and foods. This can cause burning sensations in the mouth and throat, and in some cases can cause hives and dangerous swelling of the throat and windpipe.

Just this week I spoke with a patient who is allergic to pollens. He told me that he had experienced sensations of burning in his mouth after eating certain fruits a few times. The last time, about a year ago, his windpipe started closing up so he could barely breathe. He has not eaten these fruits since then, a very wise decision.

This is known as "oral allergy syndrome." It is most commonly associated with allergy to birch pollen, but can occur with other pollens such as ragweed, mugwort sage, plantain, and grasses. Fruits and nuts are the foods most commonly implicated, but other foods can cause the symptoms as well.

Most authorities I've consulted say it is not necessary to avoid all foods associated with a given pollen allergy. They recommend avoiding only the foods which cause symptoms. Often it is the raw food that causes the oral allergy symptoms, and many people find they can tolerate these foods without symptoms when the foods are well cooked.

The exception is nuts, which usually cause symptoms whether raw or cooked. Many authorities feel that nuts pose a higher risk and should always be avoided if there is any indication you are allergic to them. Always consult your physician before eating any food which has caused symptoms, or to which allergy testing has indicated you are allergic.

Here is a list of foods that have been reported to cross-react with pollen as well as latex allergy:

Allergy: May be Associated with a reaction to:
Birch: Apple, carrot, cherry, pear, peach, plum, prune, nectarine, apricot, kiwi fruit, honey, potato, tomato, spinach, celery, parsnips, green pepper, lentils, peas, beans, peanut, parsley, anise, dill, fennel, caraway, coriander, cumin, wheat, buckwheat, hazelnut, walnut, almond
Mugwort: Sage Celery, carrot, spices, melon, watermelon, apple, chamomile, hazelnut, anise, fennel, coriander, cumin.
Grass: Potato, melon, tomato, watermelon, orange, cherry, peanut, kiwi
Ragweed :Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, chamomile, honey, banana, sunflower seeds, zucchini, cucumber
Latex: Avocado, potato, banana, tomato, chestnut, kiwi fruit, herbs, carrot
Peanuts: Legumes, grass, wheat, corn
Plantain :Melon

Oral allergy syndrome is not the only type of food allergy. Allergies to foods can cause hives and swelling without oral sensations, and in people who are not allergic to pollens.

In addition, many patients I've tested and found allergic to pollens have not shown allergy to foods.


Oral allergy syndrome
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Oral Allergy Syndrome or OAS is an allergic reaction to certain (usually fresh) fruits, nuts, and vegetables. The allergy is not actually an allergy to food but a syndrome that develops in hay fever sufferers. The immune system mistakes the food proteins for the pollen proteins and causes an allergic reaction.

Contents [hide]
1 Symptoms
2 Cross reactions
3 Treatment
4 Notes
5 References



[edit] Symptoms
OAS sufferers may have a number of reactions that usually occur very rapidly, within minutes of eating a trigger food. The most common reaction is an itching or burning sensation in the lips, mouth, and/or pharynx. Sometimes other reactions can be triggered in the eyes, nose, and skin. The most severe reactions can result in asthma problems or anaphylaxis.[1] If a sufferer is able to swallow the food, there is a good chance that there will be a reaction later in the gastrointestinal tract. Vomiting, diarrhea, severe indigestion, or cramps may occur. [2]


[edit] Cross reactions
Allergies to a certain pollen are associated with OAS reactions to certain foods. For instance, an allergy to ragweed is associated with OAS reactions to banana, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, zucchini, and cucumber. Reactions may begin with one type of food and with reactions to others developing later. However, it should be noted that reaction to one or more foods in any given category, does not necessarily mean a person is allergic to all foods in that group. Often well-cooked, canned, or frozen food offenders cause no reaction due to denaturation of the cross-reacting proteins.[1]

Allergy trigger Cross reactors
Alder pollen almonds
apples
celery
cherries
hazel nuts
peaches
pears
parsley

Birch pollen almonds
apples
apricots
carrots
celery
cherries
coriander
fennel
kiwi
nectarines
parsley
parsnips
peaches
pears
peppers
plums
potatoes
prunes
Potential: hazel nuts, and walnuts

Grass pollen melons
tomatoes
oranges

Mugwort pollen carrots
celery
coriander
fennel
parsley
peppers
sunflower

Ragweed pollen banana
cantaloupe
cucumber
honey dew
watermelon
zucchini
Potential: Dandelions or chamomile tea



[edit] Treatment
An OAS sufferer should avoid foods to which they are allergic. Peeling or cooking the foods has shown to reduce the effects of the allergy in the throat and mouth, but may not relieve reactions in the gastrointestinal tract. Antihistamines may also relieve the symptoms of the allergy. Persons with severe reactions may consider carrying injectable medication (such as an EpiPen) to relieve themselves if necessary. Allergy immunotherapy has improved or cured OAS in many patients.

Finally, a person may choose to eat substitute foods, such as the following:

Substitute Raw Fruits

Berries* (strawberry, blueberry, raspberries, etc.), citrus* (orange, mandarins, etc.), grapes, currants, gooseberries, guava, mango*, figs, pineapple*, papaya, avocado, persimmon, pomegranates*, watermelon*.

Substitute Raw Vegetables

MUSTARD family (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, watercress, radish)
GOOSEFOOT family (spinach, swiss chard)
COMPOSITE family (green onions)

Substitute Nuts

Peanut*, cashew, pistachio, brazil, macadamia, pine nut.

* May cause a cross-reaction with OAS.

Answer 2

Six months is a little young for commercial applesauce (it has a lot of sugar and added stuff) but you cannot have an allergic reaction to something the first time you are exposed to it. He most likely just overate or had a small stomach bug. An allergic reaction is an immune over-response by the body to something. It can only happen the second time and beyond as there is not immune system response the first time. Food allergies are actually incredibly rare as the body destroys most of what's in food in order to use the parts(molecules) to make other things and for energy. Give him a couple of days and try giving him a little bit again (just a little). Applesauce feels more like drinking than eating because it is so juicy and it is easy to overfill the tummy with it, even for adults. Hope that helps, good luck.

Answer 3

Allergy To Apples Symptoms

Answer 4

I agree with John W. Get an allergy test. And if you're allergic to apples- well, this is going to sound icky. But you had better stop eating them.

Answer 5

I hate apples. But then, I got teeth like a Kentucky fence.

Answer 6

It could be the acidity in the apples. I can't eat most apples the acidity in them is too strong and i get an reaction in my mouth. Maybe its your problem as well, try golden delicious apples, there not as strong as the rest.

-.-'

Answer 7

This happens to me too. I've heard that it's because of insecticides. Try buying your produce organic or from a farmer's market. It helps a bit. Good luck!

Answer 8

Go get a allergie test. A simple thing a doctor can do. Do it and see if you acually are.

Answer 9

that sucks so bad.... i love apples, especially when a little stoney.

Answer 10

nope i think any kind of swelling is a bad sign!!!!!