Oh yes — at least one third of seasonal allergy sufferers may have “oral allergy syndrome” —characterized by itchiness of the mouth, lips and throat, as well as the familiar sniffles and sneezing, after ingestion of various fresh fruits, vegetables and even nuts that cross react with tree, grass and weed pollens.

So what can you do? Well in many cases peeling, cooking and heating the fruits can reduce the likelihood of triggering seasonal allergy symptoms.  In some cases, the symptoms caused by the cross reaction are more likely during the height of the pollen season for that allergen.  That is spring time for seasonal tree and grass pollens in many areas of the U.S., and weed pollens usually during summer and early fall. 

So if you are sensitive to tree pollens you may react when eating apples, cherries, pears, apricots, kiwis, oranges, plums, almonds, hazelnut and walnuts.  I have actually seen some individuals with seasonal spring tree pollen allergies react to hazelnut flavored coffee!

Grass pollen may cross react with melon, tomato and orange.  Those who are sensitive to ragweed and weeds may react when ingesting banana, cantaloupe, cucumber, zucchini, watermelon and even chamomile tea!

Obviously having your seasonal allergy symptoms under control requires planning and often encourages my patients with seasonal allergies to develop an allergy action plan.  This way by following the allergy season calendar for your area and knowing the pollen count (go to www.aaaai.org/nab), you will be better prepared for those pesky allergy symptoms before they even begin!

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

With allergy season just around the corner, let’s take a minute to review some early tips to help you survive allergy misery.  Many sufferers have allergy symptoms that affect your eyes and eyelids and can be quite troublesome. Allergy medications may often work better if you start them just before the season begins. 

Right now, we are seeing early tree pollens such as juniper, cedar, elm, alder and maple in many regions of the country.  The late winter pollens cause “early” spring suffering even before the trees grow leaves! 

Here are a few practical tips:

• LIDS OFF: Gently irrigate your eyelids (while your eyes are closed) with a mild, tear-free “baby” shampoo to remove excess allergens and pollutants which may have accumulated.  Check with your provider (especially if you wear contact lenses or have other eye problems) to learn whether anti-allergy eye and/or moisturizing drops may also be helpful and safe.

• BLOCK YOUR EYES: Wear sunglasses to block pollens from entering and getting into your eyes.

• WASH WISELY:  Rinse off your eyeglasses and shower and shampoo your hair every night to remove allergy causing pollens that collect during the day.

Stay tuned for more late-breaking successful seasonal allergy survival tips to come …

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.