GP warns of common food allergy that can be mistaken for hay fever

Daily Record

05-05-2025

As we hit hay fever season, a top doctor has explained what the condition is and the main trigger foods
Summer is fast approaching and while many of us are looking forward to warmer weather, for hay fever sufferers, it's the beginning of what can be a challenging few months.
The Met Office recently confirmed that the tree pollen season has already started, with the first pollen being detected as early as February in some parts of the country.
Twenty per cent of people in the UK are affected by hay fever, but GPs have warned that some people who think they are suffering from hay fever may actually have a food allergy that affects one in 50 - but few know about.
Pollen Food Syndrome (PFS), also referred to as oral allergy syndrome, is a hypersensitivity reaction to plant based foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts.
When people with this condition eat these foods in their raw form, it can cause mild irritant symptoms including itching of the mouth, lips and throat. PFS often occurs in people who get spring or summertime hay fever.
According to a OnePulse survey of 500 UK adults conducted by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, although more than half said they suffer from hay fever, 78 per cent hadn't heard of pollen food syndrome.
Luckily, Dr Sabah Salman, GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, has come to the rescue to explain to Record readers what the condition is, the main trigger foods and what to do if you think you might have pollen food syndrome.
What is pollen food syndrome?
"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," Dr Sabah explained.
"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."
Which foods cause pollen food syndrome?
Fresh fruit, raw vegetables and raw nuts are the kinds of foods that trigger pollen food syndrome.
"Although almost any fruit, vegetable or nut can cause a reaction, in particular, raw apples, fresh peaches, kiwi, hazelnuts and almonds are common triggers," Dr Sabah pointed out.
"On average, those with pollen fruit syndrome will need to avoid four plant foods."
Common pollen food syndrome trigger foods
Foods including fresh fruit, raw vegetables and raw nuts can trigger pollen food syndrome, like the ones below:
What are the symptoms of pollen food syndrome?
"Symptoms are usually mild and tend to occur within 10 minutes of eating the allergic food," Dr Sabah said. "These symptoms can include redness, itching and mild swelling of the lips, tongue, inside of the mouth, ears and throat.
"Some people notice symptoms just from food preparation. 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.
"Although rare, more extreme symptoms like nausea, vomiting, trouble swallowing, and breathing difficulties can occur. Of course, in this case you should always seek urgent medical treatment."
What should I do if I have a reaction?
"Generally, mild pollen food syndrome symptoms settle within an hour, without treatment," Dr Sabah noted.
"All you will need to do is stop eating the food, and drink some water to stop the symptoms.
"However, if you're concerned or your symptoms are unpleasant, you could also take a non-sedating antihistamine.
"If you have taken an antihistamine but your symptoms are not improving, you should seek medical advice.
"If you have a food allergic reaction which affects your breathing or circulation, for example, causing faintness, do not rely on antihistamines or an asthma inhaler. Instead, speak to a medical provider urgently."
How is pollen food syndrome diagnosed?
"If you experience symptoms of pollen food syndrome, you should book a doctor's appointment.
"Often, pollen food syndrome can be diagnosed without further testing," Dr Sabah continued.
"However, you may be referred to have a blood test or skin prick testing to confirm a diagnosis."
How can I prevent reactions?
"Reactions can be prevented by avoiding allergenic food in its raw form or other triggers," Dr Sabah concluded.
"Once well cooked or tinned, the allergens will have been denatured and should not cause an issue. This means a soup containing allergic food may not cause symptoms but a stir-fried vegetable...may be an issue.
"Some people also find that they can tolerate certain varieties of the same food. For example, one variety of apple may cause reactions, whereas another may not.
"If food preparation triggers your symptoms, wearing gloves or peeling allergic foods under running water can be an effective workaround.
"If you do have to cut certain triggering plant foods out of your diet, ensure you replace these with other, tolerated foods."
The expert went on: "If you have been prescribed allergy treatment for other allergies, such as asthma and hay fever, you must keep taking these as this will help to control symptoms of pollen food syndrome.
"If you've experienced a severe reaction in the past, such as anaphylaxis or breathing difficulties, you may also be prescribed an adrenaline pen."
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