Physicians in the UK are reporting a noticeable increase in the number of people developing allergies to fruits and vegetables. Dr Pamela Ewan, an allergist in Cambridge, said the rise in cases appears to be outstripping even peanut allergies. Symptoms include itching and swelling in the mouth and throat, and breathing difficulties. There is also a rise in what is called “oral allergy syndrome“, a condition whereby people who are allergic to pollen become allergic to fruits. It is unclear why this increase is occurring, but it is likely that the condition is being diagnosed more now that physicians are aware that allergies to fruits and vegetables are more common than they think. Do you know anyone with a fruit or vegetable allergy?
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Tags: allergic, allergy, fruit, oral allergy syndrome, UK, vegetable
Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
April 15th, 2009 at 6:42 am
I have had allergies to fruits and vegetables beginning in the early 1990’s when I was in my early 30’s. I did not have them prior to that, except for a strawberry allergy when I was 4 years old, but I outgrew it. When I eat anything too acidic, my face starts to itch and I get red bumps. Mushrooms affect my sinuses, and I get stuffy 15 mintues after eating them. I’m told mushrooms have mold in them, and I have been tested positive for a mold sensitivity/allergic reaction.
April 15th, 2009 at 7:43 am
It is true that allergies are on the rise but particulary here in Uganda most allergies are related to cold, dust, sound and others.
I particulary developed an allergy that has made my life very difficult, the doctors told me mine is an allergy to dust and cold wind, my breathing is difficult, my heartbeat increased on an simple exertion, my ears partially block, get constant headache, my voice cant amplify and constant nosal congestion.
May be you can also advise on such, drugs cant do any thing am living with the condition
April 15th, 2009 at 7:46 am
It is true that allergies are on the rise but particulary here in Uganda most allergies are related to cold, dust, sound and others.
I particulary developed an allergy that has made my life very difficult, the doctors told me mine is an allergy to dust and cold wind, my breathing is difficult, my heartbeat increases on simple exertion, my ears partially block, get constant headache, my voice cant amplify and constant nosal congestion.
May be you can also advise on such, drugs cant do any thing am living with the condition
April 15th, 2009 at 8:03 am
since moving to east tennessee..allergy free !…i have now many allergies…including from fresh fruit…many fruits are polished with ‘what smells like furniture polish”..to make them shine under spot lights and look healthier.
my solution is simple..i only eat canned fruit (a good brand) canned in juice..
canned peaches..pears..are allergy -free for me…bananas are ok..but check the country of origin..The COOL LAW (country of origin law)must be shown on all foodstuffs imported to USA.ps Wash all vegs and fresh fruits in mixture of Lemon juice.sea salt water…soyez sage
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April 15th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Thank you for the daily information you are sending.
As for today’s article about fruit-and-vegetable alergies, the reason is, they are not consuming organic farmings, any of these allergic persons when consume organic products they will feel the difference from the very first moment.
April 15th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I get itching on my skin, especially in my inner thigh and arms, and some rashes
and digestive woes, but I don’t have throat problems I do get migraines too
Some of mine are definite peanut allergies and maybe some other nuts
lactose intolerance and juice intolerance I switched to vitamin waters
April 15th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Surprised?? Maybe people are allergic to the sprays/pesticides/fungicides on fruits and vegetables –I cannot eat apples including the peel(upsets my stomach with cramps) unless they are organic!! We need to think about the environmental influence that might be exacerbating the allergies!!
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:34 pm
any raw fruit or vegetable makes my mouth and lips itch and my throat swell enough to cause anxiety due to breathing difficulty. My parents always said it was probably the chemicals used on them. So I started growing my own…but it’s the same.
September 18th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Fruit and veg. allergies are not connected to sprays/pesticides as suggested. Those of us with these allergies tend to have inhalant/seasonal allergies (hayfever)and skin allergies (eczema). It is the ways in which the fruit and vegetables reproduce (using pollen) and the type of plant they are from (for example- bananas are a member of the ragweed family) that cause the allergic reactions. The degree to which our bodies respond to the food varies. For me, it doesn’t matter if it’s organic, from my own garden, hydroponic- whatever- I still get sick. I stick with canned stuff as my allergist has recommended and I know through bad experiences what foods to absolutely avoid.