Birch pollen allergy and food allergies

If a birch pollen allergy exists, certain foods are often not tolerated due to allergen cross-reactivity. The symptoms are usually mild, as the responsible allergens are relatively sensitive and are already broken down in the mouth by the saliva. Therefore, the symptoms are typically localized: itching or burning in the mouth and throat, or sometimes swelling of the mouth and throat, which can cause problems with swallowing. Hives or even asthma, indigestion, and circulatory problems are very rare.

This phenomenon is caused by a so-called "allergen family" between botanically related plant foods and pollen. More specifically, the same proteins found in pollen are found in various plant foods.

The following foods could cause allergic symptoms

In general, one should be cautious of pitted and pomaceous fruits as well as nuts. Certain vegetables can also cause discomfort:

Pitted and pomaceous fruits

Apples: especially Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Jonagold.
Less commonly can pears, cherries, plums, apricots, figs, kiwi, peaches, etc. cause symptoms.

Nuts

Especially hazelnuts, but also peanuts.

Vegetables

Carrots and celery
Take care with soy, especially soy milk: larger amounts can even lead to severe symptoms. Miso and soy sauce are usually tolerated.
Contact with raw potatoes can cause local itching or hives.

Recommendations

  • Take allergy tablets regularly during the flowering season of the early flowering plants; if symptoms persist for two consecutive seasons, vaccination therapy is recommended.
  • Make note of exactly which foods cause reactions; cross-reactions are often unique to each individual.
  • Be careful with freshly squeezed fruit or vegetable juices as well as soymilk. Here, high allergen levels can be ingested in a short period of time.
  • Fruits and vegetables are usually well-tolerated in cooked form.
  • Nuts are not tolerated despite roasting and heating!