Seasonal allergies are often associated with environmental triggers like pollen, grass, or mold, but did you know that food allergies can also flare up during certain times of the year? Known as seasonal food allergies, these reactions occur when certain foods trigger symptoms in conjunction with seasonal environmental allergens.

What Are Seasonal Food Allergies?

Seasonal food allergies refer to allergic reactions to specific foods that coincide with particular seasons. These allergies are closely linked to oral allergy syndrome (OAS) or pollen-food syndrome, where proteins found in certain fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts resemble those found in pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. When you consume these foods during the allergy season, your immune system can mistakenly identify the proteins as harmful, leading to an allergic reaction.

For example, individuals with birch pollen allergies may experience OAS when eating apples, peaches, or carrots during birch pollen season, as the proteins in these foods closely resemble the proteins in birch pollen. The symptoms are typically mild and localized to the mouth and throat, but they can be uncomfortable and, in rare cases, more severe.

How Do Seasonal Food Allergies Differ from Typical Food Allergies?

While typical food allergies, such as those to peanuts or shellfish, cause an immune system reaction every time the allergen is consumed, seasonal food allergies are often linked to the time of year and your body’s response to environmental allergens like pollen. This cross-reactivity can lead to symptoms that are seasonal in nature, flaring up during specific pollen seasons and subsiding afterward.

For people with seasonal food allergies, the immune system may tolerate certain fruits or vegetables when pollen counts are low, but during peak allergy season, the body becomes hypersensitive. It’s this seasonal link that distinguishes them from classic food allergies.

Common Seasonal Food Allergy Triggers

Seasonal food allergies typically occur in people who are already allergic to environmental pollen. Depending on the type of pollen you're allergic to, different foods may trigger symptoms. Here are some of the most common pollen-food connections:

1. Birch Pollen: People with birch pollen allergies often experience reactions to apples, pears, peaches, cherries, plums, carrots, and hazelnuts.‍
2. Ragweed Pollen:Those allergic to ragweed may experience symptoms when eating melons (like cantaloupe and watermelon), bananas, cucumbers, and zucchini.‍
3. Grass Pollen: Grass pollen allergies can cause reactions to tomatoes, potatoes, peaches, and melons.‍
4. Mugwort Pollen: Mugwort pollen has been linked to reactions to celery, carrots, coriander, and certain spices like parsley and cumin.

Symptoms of Seasonal Food Allergies

Seasonal food allergies typically cause mild to moderate symptoms, most commonly in the mouth and throat. This is why the condition is often referred to as oral allergy syndrome. Common symptoms include:

1. Itching or Tingling in the Mouth: After eating the trigger food, you may experience itching, tingling, or a burning sensation in the lips, mouth, or throat.
2. Swelling: Mild swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat can occur, but it usually resolves on its own.
3. Scratchy Throat: Some individuals report feeling like something is stuck in their throat or have a mild scratchy sensation.
4. Rare but Severe Symptoms: While most reactions are mild, in rare cases, symptoms can escalate to more severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.

It’s important to note that cooking the food often breaks down the proteins responsible for the allergic reaction, so cooked versions of the offending food may not cause any symptoms.

Diagnosis and Testing for Seasonal Food Allergies

If you suspect that you have seasonal food allergies, it’s important to see an allergist for proper testing. A healthcare professional can diagnose your condition using several methods, such as:

1. Skin Prick Test: This test involves placing a small amount of the suspected allergen on your skin and pricking it with a needle. If a red bump appears, it suggests an allergy.
2. Blood Test: A specific IgE blood test can measure your immune system’s response to certain allergens, including those in food and pollen.
3. Oral Food Challenge: In this test, a small amount of the suspected food is consumed under medical supervision to see if symptoms develop.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your allergist can help you manage the condition with strategies tailored to your symptoms and triggers.

Managing Seasonal Food Allergies

Managing seasonal food allergies primarily involves avoiding the foods that trigger your symptoms during peak allergy seasons. Here are some practical tips to help you manage the condition:

1. Avoid Trigger Foods During Allergy Season

If you know that certain foods cause symptoms during the allergy season, it’s best to avoid them during that time. For instance, if you have a birch pollen allergy, steer clear of raw apples, pears, and peaches in the spring when birch pollen is high.

2. Peel or Cook the Food

For many people with seasonal food allergies, peeling or cooking fruits and vegetables can reduce or eliminate symptoms. Cooking breaks down the proteins that cause the allergic reaction, making the food safe to eat.

3. Carry Antihistamines or an EpiPen

If you have moderate to severe seasonal food allergies, your doctor may recommend carrying antihistamines or an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) in case of an accidental reaction. Antihistamines can help alleviate mild symptoms, while an EpiPen is essential for managing anaphylaxis.

4. Consult a Dietitian

If seasonal food allergies limit your diet, consult a registered dietitian who can help you find safe and nutritious alternatives. A dietitian can help ensure you’re still getting essential nutrients, even if you need to avoid certain fruits or vegetables during specific times of the year.

Conclusion

Seasonal food allergies can be challenging to manage, especially when symptoms are linked to the time of year and environmental allergens. Understanding the relationship between your pollen allergies and food triggers is key to managing the condition effectively. By avoiding certain fresh foods during peak allergy season, cooking or peeling them, and consulting with an allergist, you can reduce symptoms and enjoy a more comfortable, allergy-free lifestyle. If you suspect you have a seasonal food allergy, seek medical advice to confirm the diagnosis and develop a personalized management plan.

‍