Pollen – Food Syndrome

Pollen – Food Syndrome

What is Pollen Food Syndrome/Oral Allergy Syndrome?
Pollen Food Syndrome, also known as Oral Allergy Syndrome, usually occurs in children
and young people who are allergic to pollen from trees, grasses or weeds. These pollens
contain proteins of similar structure to those present in certain raw fruits and vegetables.
The body mistakes the food for pollen and causes a reaction to the food. This condition
usually affects children who get spring or summertime hay fever, but can also occur in
children who do not have hay fever but have positive tests to pollen antibodies (skin
prick testing or blood tests).

Symptoms
Common symptoms, which usually come on immediately, include:
 Redness, mild swelling or itching of the lips, tongue, inside of the mouth, soft palate
and ears
 Itching and mild swelling affecting the throat
 Sneezing, runny nose or eye symptoms

Less common symptoms:
 Abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
 Rarely, more severe symptoms such as difficulty in swallowing and breathing
difficulties can occur. These symptoms need immediate medical attention.

What foods are involved?
Common reactions to the foods below are mainly associated with; birch, ragweed, grass
and mugwort pollen.

You may find that different varieties of the same fruit or vegetable cause reactions, whilst
some don’t. And you may find that over time, different fruits, vegetables or nuts start to
cause symptoms, that haven’t previously.

What can you do to avoid you or your child having a reaction?
Most people with hay fever have no allergic symptoms from eating food. If you can eat
any of these foods without symptoms, then you can continue eating them.

It is important to distinguish whether reactions to any foods are due to pollen food
syndrome or whether they are due to a more serious allergy unrelated to pollen.

You may be able to eat these foods if they are cooked or canned as this will destroy the
proteins responsible, the exception to this is roasted nuts which may still cause
symptoms.

Preparation of food can cause symptoms. The peeling or scraping of food releases
particles in the air which can cause sneezing and/or conjunctivitis and handling of food
may cause wheals on the hands. The use of gloves may help with this.

What to do if a reaction occurs

Mild to moderate reactions –
 Mild symptoms of tingling, itching or swelling should settle within 30 – 60 minutes
but may be reduced or eliminated more quickly rinsing with water. Antihistamine
can be given for these symptoms too.
More severe reactions –
 More severe symptoms affecting breathing, throat swelling or circulatory problems
causing fainting need treating with an Adrenaline Autoinjector (AAI) if available and
a medical emergency call (999) needs to be made. This is exceedingly rare in
Pollen Food Syndrome and more likely with true food allergy.

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything,
please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you
and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a
member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to
answer your questions and reassure you.

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well
and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your
experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are
available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We
value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with
us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the
nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed
to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is
unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal
help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf,
if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to
outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate
your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can
advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PET@nhs.net

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 4.30pm and
Friday: 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that a voicemail service is in use at busy
times, but messages will be returned as quickly as possible.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

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