- Home
- Parents Home
- A to Z Dictionary
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Cerebral Palsy Center
- Diabetes Center
- Flu Center
- Food Allergy Center
- Heart Health Center
- Homework Help Center
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- Pregnancy & Newborn Center
- Sports Medicine Center
- Summer Safety Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Infections
- Q&A
- Recipes
- School & Family Life
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Heart Center
- Homework Help Center
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Stay Safe Center
- Feelings
- Health Problems
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Movies & More
- Getting Help
- Personal Questions
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Q&A
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Videos
- My Body
- Staying Safe
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Concussion Center
- Diabetes Center
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Sports Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Infections
- Personal Stories
- Q&A
- Recipes
- School & Jobs
- Sexual Health
- Staying Safe
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
Health Information

What Is Oral Allergy Syndrome?
What is oral allergy syndrome?
– Diane
People who are allergic to pollen are more likely to have OAS. In fact, OAS is also called pollen-food allergy syndrome. The immune system gets confused and thinks that the foods being eaten are similar to pollen that the person is allergic to. Many people with OAS can eat these same foods without any problems if they are cooked, not raw. That's because cooking changes the food enough that the immune system no longer thinks it is a threat.
OAS usually only involves mild symptoms in the mouth and throat. But, rarely, the reaction also can affect other parts of the body or cause more serious symptoms, like difficulty breathing. If there's a concern that your child is at risk of a more serious reaction, your doctor might prescribe emergency medicine to always have available.
If the doctor thinks your child has OAS, he or she may give you a list of foods to avoid or to be careful with. The doctor also can give you other tips to make a reaction less likely, such as peeling or cooking the food before offering it to your child.
- Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever)
- Food Allergies and Food Sensitivities
- All About Allergies
- Allergy Shots
- Hives (Urticaria)
- If My Child Has Food Allergies, What Should I Look for When Reading Food Labels?
- What Is Skin Testing for Allergies?
- Food Allergies
- Serious Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)
- Nut and Peanut Allergy
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- KidsHealth® All rights reserved.
Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.