Pollen-food Allergy Syndrome

Do certain raw fruits and vegetables make your mouth itchy?

You may have pollen-food allergy syndrome, also called oral allergy syndrome.

If you have pollen allergy, similarities in the proteins found in pollen and certain fruits/vegetables can lead to itching of your mouth and throat. For instance, people with birch tree pollen allergy may have symptoms with raw apples, cherries, or carrots. Ragweed allergy can cause symptoms with bananas. Not all patients with pollen allergy have pollen-food allergy syndrome.

Most people can tolerate cooked or heated forms. You may also notice that your symptoms are worse during and right after peak pollen season.