We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Fruit Allergy?

By K. Testa
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,502
Share

A fruit allergy is an adverse immune system response that occurs when someone is exposed to certain fruits. The condition is also commonly referred to as oral allergy syndrome or fruit pollen syndrome. Symptoms are usually mild and typically include skin irritation or itching in and around the mouth. A person may not necessarily be allergic to all fruits, and he or she may be able to tolerate fruit in certain forms. Many people with fruit allergies might also be allergic to a number of vegetables as well.

Some people are particularly susceptible to certain types of fruit allergies, such as citrus or berries. Often, their sensitivities may depend on whether they also suffer from other types of allergies. Some medical professionals claim that the majority of people with hayfever also have oral allergy symptoms. Furthermore, some experts claim that having a reaction to specific fruits is frequently associated with allergies to different types of pollen. Those who are affected by birch pollen, for example, may have reactions to fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, and kiwifruit. Many people with ragweed sensitivities find that they cannot eat bananas or melons.

Generally, allergies to fresh fruit are more common than problems with fruit in other forms. Since cooking the item usually eliminates a protein that causes the sensitivity, most canned, baked, and otherwise processed fruits do not often cause as many unpleasant reactions. A common example cited by specialists is an allergy to raw apples. Someone with this sensitivity might have no problem consuming products like baked apples, applesauce, or apple juice.

Unlike some other food allergies, a fruit allergy generally has more to do with touching it than with fully ingesting it. Telltale symptoms can include hives, as well as a burning or itching sensation in the mouth, and any surrounding areas that the fruit has touched. In some cases, someone’s tongue and throat might also be affected, as well as the eyes and nose. Fruit allergy symptoms are typically mild, but in some cases they can be potentially life-threatening. Examples of dangerous symptoms can include difficulty breathing or swallowing.

To help determine if an individual has a fruit allergy, he or she could observe any physical reactions to specific fruits and record this information in a food diary. Repeated reactions to certain types of fruits might suggest that the person should consult an allergist. There are numerous methods that a specialist can use to determine the presence of an allergy, including skin and blood tests. The next steps, after diagnosis, can include eliminating certain foods from the diet and, in serious cases, instructing the individual on how to handle a severe reaction.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-fruit-allergy.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.