A noted allergist explains that certain dietary habits do not influence how severe seasonal allergies can become. This perspective is highlighted in reports from Health News.
Seasonal allergies are linked to a specific body response triggered by flowering plants. Tree pollen is the most common culprit because trees are widespread, and tiny particles dispersed over long distances can cause irritation in many people.
The specialist adds that changing what is eaten does not effectively prevent or lessen allergy symptoms during spring and summer. However, there is a recognized allergic reaction known as pollen food allergy syndrome, or PFAS.
Oral allergy syndrome results from cross-reactivity between PFAS-related proteins and similar proteins found in foods and in pollen. When these proteins are encountered by the immune system, they can provoke a cascade of allergic inflammations.
It is noted that individuals who are allergic to birch pollen may have a comparable reaction after consuming foods such as apples, almonds, carrots, celery, cherries, hazelnuts, kiwis, peaches, pears, and plums. Grass pollen allergies may coincide with sensitivities to celery, melon, oranges, peaches, and tomatoes. Bananas, cucumbers, melons, sunflower seeds, and squash can also trigger cross-reactions with ragweed pollen.
There is a recognition that the first drug approved to help reduce the severity of a range of food allergies has begun to shape treatment options. [citation: Health News]