[Oral allergy syndrome]

Acta Med Croatica. 2014 Jun;68(3):283-7.
[Article in Croatian]

Abstract

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is an IgE antibody-mediated allergic reaction that occurs after consumption of fresh fruits and veg etables in patients with allergy to pollen. Symptoms arise due to cross-reactivity between pollen and plant-derived food and another term used for this syndrome is pollen-food allergy syndrome. The patient is sensitized with pollen and exhibits an allergic reaction to food antigen with structural similarity to the pollen. OAS is rarely seen in young children, but the prevalence increases with age and OAS is the most common manifestation of food allergy in adolescents and adults. Symptoms are usually localized in the oral mucosa, but abdominal symptoms and anaphylaxis may occur as well. Patients generally tolerate thermally processed food, but in those with atopic dermatitis it may lead to worsening of eczema. In the case of generalized symptoms and anaphylaxis, strict avoidance and first aid measures including a self-injectable adrenaline are advised.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Allergens / immunology
  • Child
  • Food Hypersensitivity / complications
  • Food Hypersensitivity / diagnosis*
  • Food Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / complications
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / diagnosis*
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / immunology
  • Mouth Mucosa / immunology*
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / complications
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / diagnosis*
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / immunology
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Allergens