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Birch & Oral Allergy

Birch tree allergies are commonly associated with a condition called oral allergy syndrome. This condition can be very uncomfortable when a sufferer eats certain offending foods. Not all birch tree allergy sufferers are affected by this condition. But those who are must be careful not to eat foods that can make them ill.

  1. Birch Tree Allergy

    • Birch tree allergies are a rather common allergy. The allergy is specifically to the pollen that the tree produces, particularly during peak seasons. In many sufferers, symptoms are isolated to the more traditional allergic rhinitis symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing, itchy eyes and fatigue. When the tree pollen is not in peak season, symptoms tend to dissipate.

    Oral Allergy Syndrome

    • Some people who suffer from a birch tree allergy also are affected by oral allergy syndrome. This is a condition in which the body mistakes certain foods for a tree pollen to which it is allergic. In the case of birch tree allergies and oral allergy syndrome, the body mistakes certain foods for the birch tree pollen. This is not a true food allergy, however. Oral allergy syndrome is more a case of mistaken identity. This condition is very rarely life-threatening.

      When a tree pollen allergy, such as a birch tree allergy, triggers oral allergy syndrome, it is known as "cross reactivity."

    Symptoms

    • The most common symptoms of oral allergy syndrome include an itching or burning sensation in the mouth. Less common symptoms are hives and a swelling of the throat and/or windpipe.

    Offending Foods

    • A number of foods can be related to birch tree allergy and oral allergy syndrome. These foods include 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 and almonds.

      Someone who suffers from oral allergy syndrome may react to only one or two foods on the above list. Also, someone who suffers from birch tree allergies might not have any adverse reaction to the above listed foods if he is not affected by oral allergy syndrome.

    Prevention

    • In most cases, only raw foods cause oral allergy syndrome symptoms. Once they are cooked and the protein in the offending food is broken down, the symptoms tend to be nonexistent. The only exception is nuts. In most cases, someone who suffers from this condition will be affected by nuts even if they are cooked.

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