Pollen · food

Pollen food syndrome

If certain raw fruits or nuts make your mouth itch, and you have hay fever, you may have pollen food syndrome (oral allergy syndrome).

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Why it happens

Proteins in some raw foods resemble pollen proteins, so your pollen-primed immune system reacts. Birch-pollen sufferers, for example, often react to apple, cherry, hazelnut and carrot.

Typical symptoms

Itching or tingling of the mouth, lips and throat shortly after eating the raw food. Cooking usually destroys the protein, so cooked versions are often fine.

Managing it

Avoid the trigger foods raw (especially in pollen season, when reactions can be stronger), and see a GP if reactions are severe or spreading. Related: oral allergy syndrome.

For your bedroom: see our guide to the hay fever air purifier guide — model picks, room-size guidance and where to place a unit for the biggest overnight reduction.

Related guides

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Pollen map

Live UK pollen levels.

guide
UK pollen season

When each pollen peaks.

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Pollen alerts

Get notified when pollen is high.

Frequently asked questions

What is pollen food syndrome?

An allergy where proteins in some raw fruits, nuts and vegetables resemble pollen proteins, so hay fever sufferers get an itchy mouth after eating them raw.

Why can I eat cooked but not raw versions?

Cooking usually breaks down the protein responsible, so cooked fruit and vegetables are often tolerated even when the raw version causes itching.

Is pollen food syndrome dangerous?

Usually it causes mild mouth itching, but see a GP if reactions are severe, spreading or involve breathing — occasionally reactions can be more serious.