Pollen Food Syndrome: Recognition and Management

Pollen Food Syndrome (PFS), also known as Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), is an allergic reaction that occurs in a subset of individuals who are sensitized to pollen. It manifests as a cross-reactivity between pollen proteins and structurally similar proteins found in various fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Typically affecting about 2% of the adult population in the UK, it presents with mild and often immediate symptoms upon ingestion of the allergenic food. These symptoms, including itching and swelling of the oral cavity and related structures, are usually transient and resolve spontaneously, highlighting the body's acute response to certain raw produce.

PFS predominantly affects individuals with hay fever, particularly during the pollen season, but can also impact those without overt hay fever symptoms yet who still exhibit sensitivity to airborne pollens. Birch tree pollen is the most common trigger for PFS in the UK, but grass and weed pollens can also provoke symptoms. The condition underscores the complex interplay between environmental allergens and food sensitivities, challenging both patients and healthcare providers to recognize and manage these reactions effectively. It is crucial for primary care clinicians to be aware of PFS to provide appropriate advice on symptom management, dietary modifications, and when to...