While pollen levels soared this week, Scots are also be warned about a ‘hay fever’ food allergy.
Some hay fever patients could also suffer from a common food allergy.(Image: Getty Images)
Over the past couple of weeks, many people across Scotland may have suffered from hay fever symptoms as pollen levels rose. With a ‘very high’ alert having hit parts of the country this week, many sufferers were urged to close their windows and take preventative measures when needed to keep symptoms at bay.
While hay fever can already be an inconvenience to many patients, with the pollen allergy not having a cure, it seems that the condition can go a step further. While symptoms typically occur when there are higher pollen levels in the air, some patients can also be impacted by the food they consume.
Known as pollen food syndrome (PFS), or oral allergy syndrome, it is an allergic reaction to certain foods that is commonly found in people who have hay fever. Leading to mild symptoms, the allergy can be triggered by some fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables.
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According to Allergy UK, PFS is a relatively common condition that affects around two per cent of the adult population in the UK and is usually linked to having a sensitivity to grass, tree or weed pollen. While the allergy often impacts those with spring and summertime hay fever, it can also impact those who do not have symptoms.
PFS symptoms are a result of certain plant based foods having a similar protein structure to pollen. Due to this structure, the immune system doesn’t always recognise the difference between the pollen in grass or trees you breathe in and the protein in the foods you consume.
As a result, the immune system of hay fever sufferers may recognise the food as an allergen, which creates an allergic response. Typically symptoms include redness, itching, and swelling within minutes of eating the trigger food, which can affect your lips, mouth, tongue, ears, and throat.
According to the NHS, sufferers could also experience other hay fever symptoms, such as a runny nose, eyes watering, and sneezing. These symptoms are generally mild and can be treated by rinsing your mouth and taking antihistamines.
Food allergy patients are more likely to have an allergic reaction if they eat the trigger foods while they are raw. An increased risk of severe symptoms can also occur if patients eat a lot of the raw food in a short space of time.
The NHS states that some of the raw foods that commonly cause PFS include:
- fruits: apples, strawberries, oranges, cherries, peaches, plums, nectarines, pears and melons
- vegetables: carrots, potatoes, celery, tomatoes, and soy (soy milk)
- nuts: hazelnuts, almonds, and peanuts
It should be noted that PFS patients only need to avoid the trigger food when they are raw. If they have cooked or heated then you can consume them without experiencing symptoms.
However, while patients should avoid smoothies that contain the foods, they are also warned that stir-frying may not cook vegetables enough to prevent symptoms. The NHS advises that steaming and microwaving are ideal cooking methods.
Additionally, symptoms could appear while preparing food – such as peeling vegetables while they are raw – as the food particles are released into the air. Patients may want to consider wearing gloves or putting the food under water to help reduce symptoms.
Like most allergies, patients will have different sensitivities. While some people may only be affected by one or two foods, others can react to a wide range of foods containing the protein.
According to Allergy UK, most symptoms will start with five to 10 minutes of eating the trigger food, which should then settle within an hour often without any medical intervention. However, if you are worried about any symptoms or allergies, it is best to contact your GP for advice.