Hickory Allergy & Asthma Clinic

I have itching inside my mouth when I eat certain foods. Is this a food allergy?

You may have "oral allergy syndrome" which is a form of contact urticaria (hives). Fresh (usually not cooked) fruits and vegetables cause itching of lips, tongue, palate, and throat. The syndrome is associated with pollen allergy and symptoms may only occur at certain times of year during a pollen season.

For example, potato, carrot, celery, apple, and hazelnut are associated with birch pollen. Melons and bananas are associated with ragweed pollen.

The symptoms resolve rapidly and are not to be confused with serious systemic food reactions that include

swelling of the lips and tongue called angioedema which require immediate treatment.

Danger signs of a food reaction needing immediate treatment can include

difficulty breathing and swallowing, voice loss or changes, hives, or anaphylactic shock.

Printable View