2018 Volume 32 Issue 2 Pages 277-281
Oral allergy syndrome is an IgE mediated immediate food allergy of which reaction is localized to the oral mucous membrane. In this chapter, it is defined as pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) which affects patients with pollen allergy. The common causative foods include fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes and allergens include Bet v 1 homologs and profilin, which show cross-antigenicity with pollens. Thorough history taking and identifying antigen-specific IgE antibodies can help achieve a definitive diagnosis. To identify specific IgE antibodies, a prick-prick test using fresh vegetables and fruits is superior to measuring antigen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood. An elimination diet is the basis of treatment ; however, many heat-treated foods can be orally ingested.
Since 30～50% of patients with latex allergy are reported to have hypersensitive reactions to fruits and vegetables, these cases are also referred to as latex-fruit syndrome.
