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Ragweed And Zucchini: An Allergic Pairing

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 28, 2009

The Claim: Hay fever can lead to other allergies.

The Facts: With spring under way, millions of hay fever sufferers are sneezing, sniffling and congested. But many sufferers are unaware that a pollen allergy can result in an allergy to fruits and vegetables, known as oral allergy syndrome.

Scientists say this occurs when the immune system mistakes some fruit and vegetable proteins for pollen molecules with a similar structure. When the fruit or vegetable is consumed, antibodies attack, setting off mild symptoms that can last several minutes and include swelling and itching in the mouth, ears and lips. As many as 70 percent of hay fever sufferers are affected.

Research shows certain allergies usually correspond to specific fruits. An allergy to ragweed typically links to allergies to gourds such as squash, zucchini, cucumbers and any kind of melon. Birch pollen allergies usually correspond to allergies to apples, apricots, pears, peaches and cherries. An allergy to mugwort can mean problems with carrots, celery and some spices. An allergy to grass pollen may lead to trouble with tomatoes, potatoes and oranges.

But simple steps can solve the problem. Cooking and microwaving are usually enough to denature the proteins. And peeling can do the trick, since the proteins often are found in skin.

The Bottom Line: An allergy to pollen can cause allergies to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Science Times

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