There are many millions of people who must be cautious about consuming milk and milk by-products. For this group, there are four principle reasons for their caution:
Lactose Maldigestion
Milk Allergy
Casein Intolerance
Villous Atrophy.
A good introduction
www.GFlinks.com - The Gluten-Free Page USA
Your comments
No Nuts
72%
An allergy song, helping kids understand peanut allergy
Gerry Krodman,Stephanie Picchi, Debra
Gerry Krodman et al
Allergic Child USA
Your comments
It's a fun song, I wish it had a tune, though! From: Veragen
My daughter loves this song. We sing it every morning to reinforce the 'No Nuts' message. From: Zelda
Nutritional Programs for Allergies
5%
Primary External Factors Causing Allergies and Hypersensitivity Reactions.
Foods Commonly Associated with Specific Allergies.
Possible Allergy Symptoms and Problems.
What to Eat for an Allergy Elimination Diet.
Herbal Allergy Formula
Allergy Nutrient Program
HealthWorld Online USA
Your comments
Oral Allergy Syndrome
86%
Oral Allergy Syndrome, one manifestation of food allergy, is an allergic reaction that is confined to the lips, mouth, and pharynx, reports your Allergies Guide.
Who Is Affected?, What Happens?, Symptoms, Cross Reactivity, What Can Be Done?.
Allergies.About.com USA
Your comments
Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)
93%
An excellent review of Oral Allergy Syndrome
Dr Cassim Motala
Allergy Society of South Africa (ALLSA) SouthAfrica
Your comments
I finally figured out what is wrong with me! I thought it was all in my head. thank you for giving me the information to start my own research! From: Lisa Kozlowski
I'm so relieved to have found this. Until now, my doctors have simply shrugged and seemed skeptical of my allergic reactions to fresh fruit and veg (and yes, I have all the associated pollen allergies!) The article precisely describes my situation. From: anonymous
I am so pleased. In my early 20's I developed a reaction to certain nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, etc.) and fruits of which the skin can not be easity peeled away (e.g. grapes, plums, apples...) I immediately develop an evil little itch in the back of my throat whenever I eat these foods (especially if raw). Now I have some info to work with in sorting out what's really going on. Thank you. From: Andrew
Everything described in this article is exactly what I suffer from. And, yes I too have pollen allergies and asthma, as well as eczema. From: Anon
My mother told me it was in my head... the awful awful itching and stinging, and the bumps on my lips. This article is right on! I always had severe pollen allergies and now (I'm 19) I get reactions to kiwi, peaches, apples, cherries, almonds... I just wish that there was something else other than avoiding all these wonderful foods!! From:Sarah
My daughter is 17 and had a severe reaction to a golden delicious apple over the weekend. I just got her to the ER in time. She has never cared for apples. She had a golden one in Feb. of this year when she visited her grandmother in Florida and said she felt itchy in the throat, but she wanted to try some again, as she is now a vegetarian and is looking for different fruits to eat. She woke up at 1:30 am and went for a snack - had the apple and felt like she could not breath. Benadryl did not work. I rushed her to the ER and they had to give her a shot and steroids. This article is great. From: Susan Mauro
Oral Allergy Syndrome: FINALLY, I can attach a name to whats been a life-long affliction. When I was a child, I had an "eat your vegetables" kind of mother. For anyone with OAS, this is NOT a good thing. Countless attempts in explaining my unheard-of problems were met with unconvincing glares. Likewise, friends and family were equally skeptical. "How could ANYONE be allergic to raw fruits and vegetables", they would scoff.
Doctors, too, were not helpful. My described symptoms were met with shrugs and "avoid the offending foods". Sound advice, doc, when dealing with a few foods, but omitting an important food GROUP isnt reasonable!
Alas, I see were still being told this. There is no cure and may never be one. What I wouldnt do to eat raw apples, carrots, celery, kiwi, green peppers, pears, plums, peaches, cherries, sprouts, peanuts, walnuts
Vitamin supplements just arent any fun :-(
From: Rob
I have suffered with this for over 15 years. Even today doctors look at me like I am a complainer or just plain crazy when I tell them about this reaction to fruit. I remember the first time I told the allergist 15 years ago, his simple reply was "Don't eat them then." For someone who also struggles with weight this is NOT a good thing! From: Anon
I have never before met anyone like me who is allergic to raw apples, cherries, peaches, plums, carrots, etc. Friends thought I was crazy. I just read that food growers are trying to modify these fruits and vegetables to eliminate the allergens - if this can be done, pass the cherries! From: Anon
This is the most comprehensive article I have seen on this subject matter. Most people (including myself) have never heard of a blanket fresh fruit allergy until our daughter developed it along with severe pollen allergies and asthma at age 13. Your article gives us some hope that she might outgrow it and be able to eat some of her favorite fresh fruits again in the future. Thank you. From: Anon
Finally I have understanding about my strange reaction to certain fruits and nuts. It's nice to know that I'm not losing my mind. Thanks for the closure. From: Allergic in Chicago
I'm with everyone else - I had no idea what was wrong with me, and thought for years it was an allergy to some chemical on the produce. It's depressing to think I may not get any relief from this, as I seem to become more sensitive with each passing year (and am a vegetarian) but at least I have a name for the problem!
From: Tanager
I have developed allergies to apples, pears, plums, peaches, nectarines...no problem with citrus fruits. As the article mentioned, I have had no trouble when
apples are cooked: ie apple crisp or pie. My problems began soon after I gave birth to my second child--I always thought maybe the hormones or something related to this set it off. I have been tested for allergies and have an allergy to birch trees, too, just as the article stated is common. Nice to have some support for this strange collection of allergies. Anyone have trouble with arbor vitae bushes? I have had two bad episodes with blistering (like poison ivy) after pruning this bush--connected somehow? Thanks for the great info! From: Emily W.
I have searched for years to discover what caused these allergy symptoms in my daughter, Hannah. When I explained to her physician who was treating her for pollen and grass allergies that Hannah reacted to all raw fruits and vegetables, he shrugged me off as if I did not know what I was talking about. I did a great deal of reasearch looking for a common denominator in raw fruits and vegetables of many varieties but could find no answer. Alas, Hannah and I feel validated! From: Melanie Chapman
I'm so relieved now I know what I have. Ever since I can remember (I'm 15 now) I've had allergies to raw fruit and veg and my mum never belived me, so now I can tell her its a real problem. Thank you so much! From:Anon
We should start a club. My problems with apples, almonds, plums started at the age of 33, after the birth of my 3rd child. It's been driving me crazy not knowing what the heck was wrong with me. As with most, when I told my doctor she literally shrugged her shoulders and said she had never heard of such a thing. Grrrrrrr. Anyone got any tips on how to get past this....let me know. Email is nwliving4me@yahoo.com. From: Debbie Bass
As with most of the comments already posted, I am relieved to know that it isn't all in my head! I was not allergic to any of these items mentioned before but it all began one summer witht he first crop of cherries! I had the itchy mouth, throat and ears. It has gone downhill from there. Slowly but surely, I started becoming
allergic to hazelnuts, apples, pears, the entire stone-fruit family and now walnuts and raw almonds. I have also had hper-symptoms of ha-fever every spring. From: iy
Today I finally found a name to describe what has been plaguing me for years. Drs haven't been as helpful as the Internet has been in diagnosing me. I was tired of being treated like my symptoms were psychosomatic. I knew they were real - and now I have a name for it. Thank you! From: HB
Finally! I'm not just a weird attention seeking person who doesn't want to eat her fresh fruit and veg. It has a name! Hopefully they'll find a cure and not just prevention.... From: Robyn Brooke
I finally know what is wrong with me, I cant eat so many fruits, which I love. I just wish there was something I could take, so I can eat them again. I've had this since I was about 5 years old I'm now 15. From: Emily.
I, along with everyone else who's commented, have finally found a known reason for this odd allergy of mine. I'm glad I actually
have a name for what happens to me and may be able to find some kind of help. Because I have this allergy, I stray from eating fruits and I ended up eating junk instead. I would rather eat fruits over junk any day, but unless I'd like to not be able to breath, I don't think I will. Thank you for doing this research! From: Rachel
This article gave a name to the fruit allergies that run in my family. Although I thought the article was written more for doctors than for patients, it had some good information. My father, my brother, and myself all developed this allergy around the age of 12; before that we could eat the fruit with no symptoms. We can't eat fresh fruit EXCEPT for melons, berries, seedless grapes and bananas; if we eat other fruits, our mouths feel itchy and swollen and we start to have trouble breathing for a couple of hours. My father can't eat raw nuts either, but I can. I have the same allergy to raw carrots, and am also allergic to ragweed, grass, and 4 kinds of trees. All three of us have a history of asthma. Thankfully, I can eat canned and cooked fruit of all kinds. Like others here, people never believed me about not being able to eat raw fruit, and it is nice to actually have a name for it now! From: Anon
Ditto, ditto, ditto! I also have nasty excema - which I am finding some treatment for. I also feel quite sensitive to toothpaste which (from the web) I have conclided might be caused by various fragrance additives. I hope to find a toothpaste I can use (without it being baking soda) Any advice? L
Nice article. I have always loved cherries. Ate them all the time. I just turned 40. Just two years ago I started out with the little itch in the back of my throat. Now, I can't even take a nibble. Same thing with Almonds. I'm now starting to have similar reactions, although very mild today, to melons, peaches, and plumbs. I had no idea what was really happening. Now I do. Thanks. I'v been allergic to pollen all my life. The fall time in Michigan is when the pollen problem for me occurrs. From: Patrick
I am so happy that I have finally found people with the same syndrome! Like most of you, nobody believed me, not even my mother. A lot of people thought I was just making it up but now I am happy to know that there are many who shares this weird syndrome. Carrots, apples, cherries and potatoes are the worst for me. If you gargle with salt water it opens your throat really well. You should try it if you think you might have trouble breathing. From: Alyssa
Apples were the first fruit I noticed, then Kiwi fruit (don't go there!) and now cherries. Also carrots and pears but less severe. Only raw fruits have any effect. I get all the itching symptoms etc plus really traumatic constriction of the throat which makes it feel like I'm choking - had the ambulance out twice. I have an adrenelin shot but have never used it - will it really work? I've been diagnosed as having allergy to silver birch pollen and have always had hayfever - this seems to be getting much less of a problem now, but the food allergies are getting worse. Certain sorts of wine (champagne!) and some beers also have a similar effect, so I'd like it to be sorted out! From: Andy
I've had these allergies since childhood. I'm lucky (well unlucky!) that it runs in the family so I never had the disbelief from doctors or relatives. I also had access to a great allergist and had food allergy testing done to confirm what we already knew. For me, nuts (except peanuts and cashews) are something I have to avoid altogether, whether raw or cooked. But all my fruit/vegetable allergies ONLY occur when the food is raw. My allergist told me that it's like a protein I'm allergic to that cooks out. So my solution to the fruit and vegetable dilemma is to cook them just a bit. I find I'm not allergic to steamed veggies. They can even still be a bit crisp (put 'em in the fridge & crunch away later for a quick snack). I'm also lucky to be able to eat canned fruit (although it's difficult to find cans with no added sugar). I DO NOT know if slightly cooking the veggies would be a solution for anyone else, but it might be an option to talk about to an allergist. And carry an Epipen with you for emergencies (and make sure your family & friends know how to use it)! From: Kim
've never had problems with fruit and vegetables ever! I love them and eat maybe 1-2 apples a day. Then one day in November of 2004 I ate an apple and my cheecks, uvula, tongue, and glands in my throat swelled. Everything went red and it was difficult to breath so I avoided the foods and saw a doctor and allergist. I had developed OAS somehow and I still have it (September 2005). I thought maybe its because I ate so many fruits and vegetable that my body started rejecting them telling me to hold off for awhile, but theyre healthy i dont get it!
so one day at school I thought my symtoms were going away. I thought maybe I was growing out of it, or something... So i decided to take a bite of celery. Only one bite made me just as bad as in December. It even became hard to talk, my voice changed and I was extremly short of breath. I just drank cold liquids and kept and ice pack on my throat to make it go away.If that did anything, it just took maybe an hour to get my throat back to normal. From: Melissa
I've been diagnosed with Major Depression... I'm begining think it has something to do with the fact that it seems like every time I turn around there's one less fruit or vegetable I can no longer eat. I wish there was some kind of cure. From: Kym King
Wow .. this is awesome. I see that several folks developed their allergy after the birth of a child. For me, it was after the birth of my second child (who is now 14.) The only raw fruit/vegetable that doesn't bother me is lettuce. It's been hell, to put it mildly. Before this allergy, I ate lots of carrots and apples and bananas and peaches and oranges and watermelon .. all things I need to avoid now. And, I can't stand cooked veggies. Never could and still can't. I do eat frozen and canned fruit. I did have skin testing done and the carrot site got so bad that they had to end the testing early and get some Benadryl in me.
I am overweight and would love to lose weight but if you join Weight Watchers, etc. they all say "stay full on fresh veggies and fruit" and I can't, so I either starve and end up eating way too much or just try to live with myself the way I am.
I'd welcome any e-mails at arbormom@alltel.net .. to discuss this horrible allergy! Thank God I'm not a vegetarian!
We should start a club. I would have thought I was crazy if my brother hadn't developed the same thing at about the same age, and neither one of us knew the other had it for a long time. Well, since I had a limited list of fruits and veggies I loved anyhow, this has made getting fiber and other important thing included in my diet very difficult. But, now I know to stop pressing my luck by taking a nibble of these foods now and then to see if it will be better this time. Thanks for the info from everyone. From: Brooke
YEAH! Finally I know that I do have an actual allergy and it has a name. I was so tired of having to explain that just peeling the apple does not help. Now I can't even touch a raw apple with out serious consequences. From: Sara
I have recently realised that the itchy spots that keep appearing aroung my mouth and chin only appear after eating fruit...my problem is that the immunologist at the hospital doesn't think I have OAS because I don't get an itchy mouth or tongue...so I still haven't got a name and can't eat any fruit at the moment, raw or cooked! Can anyone help please? From: Gem
I am so happy that I saw this article. Like many of you, I have been suffering with this for a very long time without any real answers as to what I was suffering from. I have had this condition since I was 8 years old and I am now 30. I can't have fresh fruits or vegetables (except lemons, limes, pineapples). Has anyone else experienced vomiting as a result of eating raw fruits and veggies? Because that is what happens to me when I eat them. I get all of the stinging and and itchiness but not the breathing problems. From: YMF
Yeah Ive had similar reactions to fruits too. It kills it first started in the 3rd grade my gums gotta little numb after biting onto a apple I thought it was because my gums were unhealtthy but then 2 years later I ate an apple and I started to have a pain all over in my mouth and in my ears it killed! From: Lora
I have finally found out what is wrong with me. What started as itching on my hands when I was cutting up raw potato has led to my lips burning and throat constricting after eating peaches, tomato and raw carrot. It is frustrating as I love fruit and raw vegetables and to suddenly become allergic to them - I couldn't understand it. Now I do - and it is also good to read the other comments and to realise I am not the only one with this horrible allergy. I used to have asthma and eczema as a child but have grown out of them. Hopefully, that will happen with this too. From: Nicola
It is wonderful to see writing about this issue. My mother and siblings have all suffered from this and continue to in adulthood. Sensitivity to raw fruits and vegetables is difficult to manage for weight loss and many healthy eating patterns. On the plus side, as each of us age, we seem to be able to eat various items and "outgrow" the allergy. From: Anon
As with all of you, everybody except my wife thought this was all in my head. At first I noticed it with Watermelon, then Oranges, etc. I received a SPT and I was allergic to 28 of the 39 items they were testing me for. I was tested for fruits, vegetables, pollens, dusts, and trees. Now I'm faced with avoiding many foods I love and all my doctor can tell me is to take my antihistamine regularly, avoid the foods I know are an issue, and keep my adrenaline shots nearby just in case. Hopefully there's a medication of some sort that will help us all eat the foods we want to, not the foods we have to. From: Dave
I'm currently a medical student at UCSF. I have always had this strange allergy. I am somewhat allergic to, raw, and only raw: apples, oranges, kiwi, strawberries, peas, cherries, sprouts, avocado, raw (not roasted) nuts, etc. I am 30 this year and recently found out the my GERD (acid reflux) is due to gastroparesis, meaning that my stomach doesn't move. There is a condition where eosinophils, blood cells that are invovled in allergies, go out of control. I can't help but wonder if these are related. Anyone have problems w/ reflux? I've had it since I was a kid, as well as these allergies. They've changed over time. Melons used to almost kill me but seem fine now (especially true of watermelon). After I eat this food, my lips swell if there are any cracks, my gums swell and itch if anything gets up under them, and without fail the back of my throat itches. I got very good at making strange sounds that made the back of my throat vibrate when I was a kid or moving the back of my tongue in a partcticular way to ITCH my throat. Then my ears itch. I also have pretty horrible seasonal allergies. Flonase has been a gift from above for me. Anyhow, look at all of these things we have in common! My cousins actually have the same problems, but not their parents or my grandparents. And my 3 year old daughter has a horrible allergy to cashews and her cheeks get all red when she eats tomatoes. Very interesting! By the way, I always eat the foods regardless of my allergies - I don't think I could live without fresh fruits and veggies.. From: Jay
I've known that I've had OAS for 5 years now, it was diagnosed by an Allergist. It is pretty severe. I am allergic to ALL fruits and vegetables - including some nuts - and cooking them doesn't usually cut it, neither does canned food. I'm actually suprised by how fresh some canned food is!! =p What I'm wondering, is if WHERE the fruit and vegi's come from makes a difference. I've been too afraid to try fruits and vegetables from.. lets say, other countries. I wonder if different countries have different pollens? Perhaps, there wouldn't be the same sensitivity? Does anyone know of anything like this? Yes, I'm desperate! lol From: D
I'm glad so many people out there are the same as me, not that I'm happy you are suffering but at least there is more chance of action being taken to help cure it if there are more of us. Are there any charities that help fund research into OAS? What about GM food that is manufactured to not caus ethese reactions. I find a hot drink helps sooth the itching after i've had certain raw fruits.( Maybe because the pain of the hot drink distracts me from the itching!) My brother and sisters have simmilar reactions and we so does my Father. There must be a gene that triggers it. From: James
I am so happy to have found this site. It answers somany unanswered questions I have had for years. I have problems with almost all vegetables and most fruits. I am afraid to try fresh foods because I am afraid of a reaction. Lettuce has begun to bother me also, so now a salad is completely out of the picture. I too would love to eat a healthy diet, but this allergy makes it very difficult. Any suggestions? I currently try to eat alot of canned fruit and I cook my vegetables before I eat them. People look at me like I amcrazy when I tell them what fruits and veggies I am allergic to. I actually had a DR tell me one time that there was no such allergy. I know what an allergic reaction feels like! Im glad to find the correct diagnosis. Thank You! From: Julie
You know, I wasreading the comments about how location of the produce can have an effect. Since I was little, I've been allergic to most uncooked fruits and vegetables, citrus being the exception. It started with kiwi, and then carrots, melons, strawberries, tomatoes, etc. I live in the U.S. and it doesn't matter if I eat organic or non-organic produce, I still get very uncomfortable closing sensations in the back of my mouth. However, I visited a friend in the UK and her mother had offered me some carrots. I declined because of my allergy, but she insisted, so I figured, "Why not?" I was stunned when I realized I had NO reaction to these carrots. I love carrots, but I'd been unable to eat them for years. It was awesome! Of course, when I came back to the states I tried eating carrots again, and that was quite painful. But yeah, it seems location does matter.
From: Scott
I've just come across this site, because I've just started getting these symptoms. I've never had pollen allergies, I've eaten fresh fruit and vegetables all my 42 years. The only reactions I have are bee stings and shellfish - very mild, but enough to make me take it seriously and not eat them. Then last week, I ate at a restaruant (watermelon, grape, lettuce, onion, tomato) and my tongue, glands, inside of my cheeks, back of throat had all swollen scarily and swallowing was difficult. The next day the inside o my mouth was purple - it looked like it had been chewed up from the inside. My mouth felt like it had been scalded so eating was painful for 2-3 days afterwards. I have had exactly the same reaction today (salad, watermelon, melon, grape, pineapple). My doctor has recommended the EPI PEN, and antihistimines on hand at all times because it seems to be a sudden severe reaction. I'm pleased that there is a name for this that I can use to deal with it. But why now???? From: Flo
I think its great to find a network of people that have this same allergy. Like all of you I am allergic to all raw fruits and vegetables. I've had this now for over 7 years and have always hoped that enough people would speak up about it so that someone could figure out the reason behind it. Its too unnatural. There has to be some reason we are all starting to develop this. Furthermore...what are the long term effects on our bodies from not getting the nutrients we need from raw fruits/veges?? I'm sorry...but you can't tell me a multi-vitamin will do the trick. I'm tired of allergists telling me that. One small solution I found was that I could eat packaged frozen fruit...like Dole brand for example in the freezer isle. I for some reason do not react at all to these...and it quenches that craving for fresh fruit. Be careful at first of course..test it out. I get a full blown anaphalactic shock, the iching, swelling etc if I take a couple bites of raw fruit/veges...but these frozen ones are blanched before freezing and it not only changes the protien makeup of the fruit but it also does something with the enzymes...which may also be a factor. Someone has to be able to understand this. They developed studies on peanut allergies once enough people started being effected...why not this! Better yet...what is it that has changed in our environment/foods that has caused our bodies to react this way!! lmontanile@hotmail.com if anyone is closer to an answer on this. From: Linda
Thank God I found this article! No one believed me and I thought it was me making a fuss! I've been alergic to nuts all my life and in last 5 years have aweful hayfever which I guess is when this whole fruit thing
started! From: Danielle Pearce
I never new that so many people shared this allergy people thought I was a freak when I said I was allergic to fruit. It started when i was 18 the same year I developed hayfever and psoriasis. It started with melon and bananas and gradually all fruits and some raw veg. It is now so bad that a year ago I was rushed into hospital with anaphylaxis shock after using a hair conditioner in the shower which contained cherry extract. I now have some comfort in knowing that I am not a freak and can put a name to the problem. My brother has also developed the same allergy and he also suffers from psoriasis and hay fever I will send him the article to read now. Thanks for the information. From: Gina
For years my mom and I have struggled with this allergy. It first started for my mom after the birth of my older sister(her first child) When I was growing up I could eat all fruit and veggies, once I turned about 10 I started to not be able to eat certain fruits. Now my mom and I both suffer from fruit and veggie allergies and are searching for more people like us. We are interested in starting a website for people like us, so we finally have a place where we can come together and make a difference. If anybody has anymore information or wants to help or even just wants to share their story, e-mail me at klacorte@insightbb.com I feel if we join together and make OAS more known, more research will be done for people living everyday with this condition. Maybe with research, we can find a cure. From: Katie LaCorte
My daughter is now 15. She has been allergic to raw fruits and vegetables for several years now. She has pollen allergies, was in allergy treatment (shots) for quite a while, but is finished treatment. Her pollen allergy reactions are less severe but still present. Her fruit/vegetable allergy seems to be getting worse though. She reacts even without ingesting the foods. I had her help me make a fruit salad last summer and she started sneezing and coughing and had watery eyes without even eating the fruit! The same thing happened the other night when she was cutting potatoes for me to make mashed potatoes. One thing I haven't heard mentioned yet though, is whether anyone is able to eat fruits and vegetables cooked? She is able to enjoy apples only when they are cooked so she frequently makes herself 'mock' apple pie by microwaving a cut up apple with some cinnamon and sugar. She can also eat most vegetables if they are cooked thoroughly. From: Kim
Now I know what's wrong with my son.Even the doctor commented that he'd "never heard of that before"when asked why he was getting a swollen throat after eating fruit. And yes he did used to get an itchy rash in the spring when around birch trees.And I thought he'd grown out of it!If only it was still a rash at certain times of the year and not a swollen throat reaction to certain foods - which as a vegetarian he could certainly do with. I shall now encourage him to try other fruits which are not so highly indicated and see if we can find a good selection which will not tigger this reaction. From: Penny
In the last few weeks I have started getting reaction to fruits and its terrible..Urticaria is so uncomfortable I wish it would go away I dont want to eat junk.. I recently started in WeightWatchers and since I did I have been eating a lot more fruit and this has happened but I lost a lot of weight too.. Apparantly they say too much acid in Melon, Apples, Grapes and Oranges...its not fair please help. From: Anon
I jus' found this article a week ago. Isn't it weird that we can not have raw fruit? I do not eat them at all. Because I didn't know why every time I ate them they tore me inside out. People thought I was crazy. It was all in my head they said. I thought so too. So I tried getting it outta my head but I threw up my insides no lie. I kept gagging. Why do I through up. I get the bumps, itchy throat, and the severe vomiting. I didn't see that on here yet. It has to be something that is making us sick by eating this fruit. If you know why I vomit hit me up at my email address. I need to find some answers. Did you ever imagine that if you eat a large amount, could it result death. blandell21@yahoo.com. From: Anon
YMF: Yes, I too immediately vomit when I eat raw fruits and vegetables. I almost hate going out to dinner because I don't know if I'm gonna barf all over the table. I'm really miserable with this condition. I want to eat fresh salads and veggies so bad. If anyone knows of any meds or supplements that will help me to eat raw fruits/veggies, PLEASE let me know. Thanks, SK
I first noticed this when I was around 10 eating oranges. It has gotten worse over the last 10 years, though recently I have discovered that eating a granola bar, bread or something grain like lessens the reaction substantially. From: Jenni
I am a pastry chef and had never heard of this allergy until last weekend. Being very curious I am shocked that it is so common and can be so severe. My curiousity is can people with this allergy eat fruit if it has only been frozen fresh then thawed? From: Brenda
My daughter thought I was mad at her, but I was just concentrating on finding a way for my tongue to itch the back of my throat. I found out that the allergy reaction only happened to me when I ate nectarines...I'll have some tests ran at an allergist. So great to know I'm not alone with these horrible symptoms. From: Chris Wolfe
Does anyone else notice that your symptoms are lessened if the offending food is eaten in conjunction with other foods? For example if I start feeling itchy or tingly when eating a salad (minus the cucumber, of course) I just eat some bread and the feeling goes away. From: Maggie
I have found through trial and error that I can eat some of my fruits and veggies if they are organic. They are a little more expensive but it's worth the benefit of being able to eat some. I still have some reaction but nothing unbearable like when I didn't eat organic. I've only tried apples, bananas, pear, grapes, oranges, celery and carrots. If you have a severe allergic reaction to unorganic fruits and veggies I wouldn't really recommend trying the organic unless you have talked to a doctor just in case you still have a reaction. I never had my throat close up (although it felt like it would), didn't have a problem breathing or blisters. My lips would feel swollen and my throat would be extremely itchy and would have a strange kind of itchy sensation in my chest as well. I gave organics a try and now I am able to eat them (still in moderation, maybe one or two servings a day) without have a terrible reaction. I only have little itching in my throat that normally goes away within about 10 minutes after I finish eating. Hope this info has been helpful. Yes, I can eat cooked fruits and veggies with ease and abundantly. And someone had mentioned something about potatoes. When I cut potatoes my hands get itchy but nothing else. Hope this helps.
From: CA Fowler
This article is great. Everyone always looks at me like I am crazy when I turn down apples, peaches, plums, pears, cherries, walnuts, and raw carrots because "my throat gets all itchy, my tongue swells, and my inner ears itch" If I had never experienced this, I might think the same thing. Too bad for me, I do suffer from it and I hope that one day I will be able to enjoy a plum because they are damn good. :( From: Anon
I'm 49 and have just developed an allergy (itchy throat and ears, tingling in mouth) when eating raw almonds, walnuts, and some apples. The funny thing is that I've eaten hundreds of pounds of each of these during my lifetime with no ill effect until a couple of years ago. I mentioned this to my Dr. and he suspects its a Birch pollen allergy. I have suffered from terrible hayfever the last 2 or 3 spring/summer seasons. He told me to avoid these items in their raw state. I eat a lot of carrots and celery with no problems (hopefully this will continue) but am now alert to symptoms should they arise when eating something else on the list. From: Sams
Vegan with OAS, allergy pills work sometimes, but just read here: http://allergies.about.com/od/foodallergies/a/oas.htm. Allergy Shots sometimes help too.. From: Anon
I have to tell you that I was much more impressed with peoples comments,than I was with the article itself. I am 28 years old and have experienced severe reactions when eating any fruit(raw or cooked)including: being covered with hives head to toe, extreme swelling including my eyes, sinuses and throat, which cause difficulty breathing, nausea, pain, anaphlyaxis, and in overall feeling of extreme discomfort. I had enjoyed eating fruit in my entire life until I was 24. Now some vegetables give me a reaction although less severe than with fruit. I can empathize with the rest of you. I can no longer eat any fruit, or anything containing fruit. ie. wine,jams, yogurt and many others. It started with plumbs and now has grown to include peaches, nectarines, grapes, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pears, apples, and melons. I as well suffer with hay fever, asthma, and allergies to grass, pollen, dust, and pet dander. Not even an allergist could help narrow the list of things causing my reaction. I have learned like most of you through trial and error what I can and can't eat. The reaction usually occurs in minutes and It usually takes a night or so in the hospital and a variety of IV drugs including epi, benadryl, vistaril, solumedral, pepcid, promethazine, prednisone, and a low grade narcotic for the pain in order to get it to a manageable point. I am both relieved and saddened to learn that so many other people live with this condition. With any luck maybe one day we will be able to enjoy the foods we once loved. From: Patrick
I just found out I have OAS I am afraid to eat anyfresh fruit or veggies,I hate the feeling and I am afraid it will get worse if anyone has any advise email me please at dwasick@comcast.net Thanks Darla
Last night my 19 year old son, told me he is now also allergic to strawberries. Years ago I looked everywhere for information regarding his reactions to fresh fruit and veggies. I feel so bad for him but he has always had a great attitude about it. He is now in college and the freshman 15 caught up with him. Dorm food, or years on not being able to pick up an apple etc... to curb hunger? He is also allergic to soy milk and soy protein supplements. I would donate money to research the cure this. Count us in on the fight. From: Cathy
Wow, when I was a kid I used to complain that my throat was itchy whenever I ate certain fruits. My mother would always say I just didn't want to eat them. When I had my third child I had an allergic reaction to nuts and finally got tested. It turns out I am allergic to tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish and various pollens including birch. Now maybe people will believe me when I tell them that I can't eat fresh fruit. From: Mary
Thank God, im not alone out there , I thought i was the only person that had this weird reaction to all raw fruits and veggies. If I ordered take-outs i had to make strict instructions not to add any garnishng or any sort...it was a nightmare.Doctors, personal trainers, even nutritionists didnt know what I was talking about when I said i have this allergy. Well I am glad that I finally have a name for what I have been suffering with for the last 15 years. From: Mary at Yahoo
I am so glad I am not the only one with these symptoms. I have not been able to eat ANY raw fruits, veggies, or nuts since childhood. I can eat them well cooked though. I am especially allergic to tomatoes and watermelon and have had severe breathing difficulties and hives from them.
My mother grandmother used to make me eat them anyways and my throat, mouth would itch and with some fruits I would even break out in hives! People have told me that I just don't like to eat my vegetables etc. They are so wrong..if I could, I would eat them all because I love them - I just can't have them :( It would be great if just once to be able order a salad ...or not have to special order everything when I go out to a restaurant (hold the tomatoes, lettuce, onion etc. etc. lol)
I am very allergic to ragweed and grass not sure about birch. From: Lenette
This was very helpful to us, my daughter has a very itchy tongue and throat every time she eats fresh peaches, plums, or pears. We are currently using Benadryl quick dissolve strips. From: K Mekilo
Is this related to latex allergy? From: Kantal (Answer: No)
Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)
81%
A very brief description of Oral Allergy Syndrome
Dr Harris Steinman
Allergy Society of South Africa (ALLSA) SouthAfrica
Your comments
I too suffer from fruit allergies. I seem to be allergic to all fruits and also to vegetables with a high amount of carbohydrate like corn, carrots, peas, etc. I have noticed that I react similarly to all grain products. My reaction is not a physical one, but an emotional one. When I eat these foods, I become deeply depressed. It is only when I eat these foods that I feel this way. My son is allergic to honey, and has severe mood swings if he eats any honey. I was thinking that possibly we were allergic to fructose,but I don't know what is in the grains that would be affecting me. Maybe the carbohydrate in them is causing the problem. As many others have already expressed, I too am longing for some answers and possibly a cure for this problem. It has made my life very difficult and I am unable to eat the foods that would comprise a truly healthy diet that. From: Anon
I really thought I was going crazy before I read this article and found people who had reactions to the same fruits as I did (raw apples, plums, cherries, grapes with seeds) I developed this about a year ago and it has been driving me crazy! From: Anon
Parent and Adolescent Perceptions on Food Allergy
0%
Brief but interesting article on how adolescent & parent's perceptions relating to food allergies can differ.
Allergy Prevention Center USA
Your comments
Peanut Allergy
50%
A concise but good article on allergy to peanut.
Prof. P. Potter
Allergy Society of South Africa (ALLSA) SouthAfrica
Your comments
Peanut Allergy Dangers
78%
Food allergies, especially peanut allergies, are becoming a hot issue for parents, schools, restaurants, and even commercial airline services and the reason is clear -- they can be deadly, reports your Allergies Guide.
Allergies.About.com USA
Your comments
Protect Kids With Food Allergies: We Need Your Support!
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Congress is considering a new law to protect kids with food allergies. Learn why you should lend your support to this important initiative.
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