The Itchy Side of Seasonal Allergies

Springtime allergies are no fun! Pollen, swollen eyes, runny nose, sneezing, tissues, and medication are all a part of seasonal springtime allergies. The symptoms last about 2-3 months and when it is over the trees and flowers have bloomed and look beautiful and you are back to normal again. What I didn't expect is for the effects of springtime allergies to carry into the rest of the year. I thought we had everything under control.

Last September I gave my son an apple to eat and he told me that he could not eat apples anymore because they make his tongue itchy. They make your tongue itchy? That's a new one. He is getting quite creative in his attempts to avoid healthy foods. Well, I thought that was just ridiculous! I wondered why someone who likes apples all of a sudden does not.

I realized that I had been sending an apple in his lunch everyday and asked him what he did with all of the apples. After our discussion about not throwing good food away, I figured he was just making an excuse for not wanting to eat fruits and vegetables and moved on. Although I did make him eat a few bites of the apple and I don't remember, but I'm sure we had this discussion several more times within the next few weeks.

About two weeks later I was reading an article in Parents magazine and I realized that my son had a big apology due him. Apparently, those who suffer from allergies caused by pollen, can experience an itchy mouth, lips, and throat anytime throughout the year after eating raw fruits such as apples and pears.

According to Elizabeth Loewy, M.D., a pediatric allergist, the body can't recognize the difference between the protein in the pollen and the protein in the fruits. A cross-reaction occurs resulting in oral allergy symptoms. This same reaction occurs if you experience hay fever in the fall due to ragweed. You may have a reaction if you eat fruits such as watermelon, bananas, honeydew, and cantaloupe.

It is always good to check with your doctor before making any changes in your diet or your child's eating habits.

Needless to say, I had to humble myself and apologize to my son and he no longer eats apples and pears unless they are cooked.

Sources: Parents Magazine, September 2006 issue, Strange But True! article, page 56