DOCTORS have warned of a little-known food allergy that often gets mistaken for hay fever.
One in 50 Brits suffer from pollen food syndrome – a little-known reaction to raw fruit or vegetables.
SWNSFood pollen syndrome commonly masks as hay fever as both conditions have the same symptoms[/caption]
The common condition is typically harmless, causing just a runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes.
But in some the allergy can cause more serious side effects, according to Dr Sabah Salman.
The GP, who works in south London, said: “More extreme symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, trouble swallowing, and breathing difficulties can occur.
“Of course, in this case you should always seek urgent medical treatment.”
Food pollen syndrome, which can also be triggered by nuts, commonly masks as hay fever because it triggers a similar reaction in the body.
Dr Sabah, who works for Lloyds Pharmacy said: “Many plant based foods, such as fruit and cereals, have a protein structure that is very similar in shape to the pollen in the sorts of trees, grasses and weeds that cause hay fever.
“Your immune system doesn’t always recognise the difference between the pollen you breathe in from things like trees, and the pollen structure in the plant based foods you eat.”
“Essentially, pollen food syndrome results when the immune system recognises the food protein you eat as an allergen and creates an allergic reaction, resulting in similar symptoms to hay fever.”
Other foods, like raw apples, fresh peaches, kiwi, hazelnuts and almonds are also triggers.
Most people with the condition will need to avoid at least four plant foods, the GP said.
SIGNS
According to Dr Sabah, symptoms of the condition are usually mild and closely resemble hay fever, they include:
Redness, mild swelling or itching of the lips, tongue, inside of the mouth, soft palate and ears Itching and mild swelling affecting the throatAbdominal pain, nausea and even vomitingSneezing, runny nose, or eye symptoms can also occur due to tiny amounts of the culprit foods entering the nose or eyes
Symptoms often begin within ten minutes of eating the allergic food.
In more serious cases, the condition can cause anaphylaxis – a severe and potentially fatal reaction to an allergy.
Symptoms include:
Feeling lightheaded, dizzy or faintFast or shallow breathingWheezingA fast heartbeatClammy skinConfusion and anxietyCollapsing or losing consciousness
Up to 30 people die every year of anaphylaxis, according to Government estimates.
Some people’s allergies can be triggered just from food preparation, Dr Sabah explained.
“For example, food particles in the air can trigger sneezing, a runny nose and eye irritation, and peeling fruit and vegetables may cause skin irritation,” she said.
TREATMENT
Generally, mild pollen food syndrome symptoms settle within an hour, without treatment.
“All you will need to do is stop eating the food, and drink some water,” the expert said.
However, if you’re concerned or your symptoms are unpleasant, you could also take an antihistamine,” she added.
If you have taken an antihistamine but your symptoms are not improving you should seek medical advice.
You should also speak to a medic if you have a food allergic reaction which affects your breathing or circulation.
Many food pollen syndrome sufferers can tolerate foods that have been cooked or tinned.
This is because the food has been “denatured”, Dr Salman said.
“This means a soup containing allergic food may not cause symptoms but a stir-fried vegetable – which has been very gently cooked – may be an issue,” she explained.
Some suffers find they can tolerate certain varieties of the same food. For example, one variety of apple may cause reactions, whereas another may not.
Despite the prevalence of the condition, very few Brits don’t know of the allergy.
A survey conducted by Lloyds Pharmacy of 500 Brits found 78 per cent had never heard of food pollen syndrome.