Let your doctor know what foods cause a reaction when you eat them. This may be things such as apples, kiwis, peppers, or almonds. Make sure the doctor knows what types of symptoms you experience, especially if they are severe. Your doctor may suggest taking anti-histamines or carrying an epinephrine injection to relieve symptoms, depending on severity.
Ragweed: bananas, melons, zucchini, cucumber, dandelion, chamomile Birch: apples, pears, peaches, apricots, cherries, plums, nectarines, prunes, kiwi, carrots, celery, potatoes, peppers, fennel, parsley, coriander, parsnips, hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts Grass: peaches, celery, melons, tomatoes, oranges Mugwort: celery, apple, kiwi, peanut, fennel, carrots, parsley, coriander, sunflower, peppers Alder: celery, pears, apples, almonds, cherries, hazelnuts, peaches, parsley Latex: bananas, avocado, kiwi, chestnut, papaya
Avoid using raw fruits and vegetables that are cross-reactive. Consider not keeping them in your kitchen to minimize your risk of eating them. Store cross-reactive foods in a place where you aren’t exposed to them. Stock alternatives to raw fruits and vegetables that cause OAS symptoms. For example, if you have a grass allergy and like peaches, consider plums or apples instead.
Place the cross-reactive food either in the oven or a microwave. Both will break down the proteins that cause OAS. Try eating them after cooking to see if you still have OAS symptoms.
Avoid swallowing any cross-reactant if you experience trouble breathing, tightness in your throat, nausea, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or fainting. These are signs of a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Remove the cross-reactant and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms. [9] X Trustworthy Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research Go to source Also avoid swallowing cross-reactant food if you have a history of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), so that you can minimize the exposure of the problematic food to your esophagus.
Ask the manager, server, or cook to accommodate your OAS when possible. Explaining your triggers can help. Make a second, safe choice if you can’t get your first without cross-reactive substances.
Itchy mouth Scratchy throat Swelling of the ears, lips, tongue, and throat Itchy ears Irritation of the gums, eyes, or nose[12] X Research source
Loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) Cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy) Fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy) Levocetirizine (Xyzal), a relatively new medication. [15] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Let your doctor know about any specific symptoms you’re experiencing and ways you have tried to relieve them. You should also tell your doctor if your OAS symptoms are caused by nuts or cooked fruits and vegetables. Ask your doctor if there is any medication or measures that may help you. Make sure to take any medication she suggests or prescribes. [17] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Seek emergency treatment if you develop any signs or symptoms of a severe OAS reaction including constriction of airways that makes it difficult to breathe, shock with a severe drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, dizziness or lightheadedness.
Recognize that it may take up to a year to see the full benefits of allergy shots. Maintenance may require monthly injections for five to seven years. [19] X Research source
Use this medication only as directed by your doctor. The medication also comes with patient instructions that you should read and follow. Make sure that you and your family know how to properly use the auto-injector. Proper administration of the medication is injecting it only into the muscle or subcutaneous fat of your outer thigh. Injecting into your buttock or a vein can cause serious side effects. Carry two auto-injectors with you at all times to minimize the risk of a serious OAS reaction.
