Cross-allergy - why the body reacts to fruits due to plant pollen
Kyiv • UNN
Cross-allergy occurs due to the similarity of proteins in pollen and food. To control the condition, it is important to identify triggers and adhere to a diet.
Cross-allergy is a common phenomenon among people with hypersensitivity to allergens. It manifests when the body reacts not only to the main irritant but also to other substances with a similar protein structure.
Such reactions can occur when consuming certain foods or coming into contact with plant pollen. UNN explains how cross-allergy works, how to timely detect its symptoms, and how to control one's condition.
What is cross-allergy
It is an immune system reaction to various allergens that have a similar protein structure. The immune system produces antibodies to a specific allergen. If another allergen contains similar protein components, the antibodies can react to it as well.
In other words, the body perceives such substances as identical, so it reacts not only to the primary allergen but also to other products or substances. This is the mechanism of cross-allergy.
And most often, it concerns the combination of plant pollen with food products.
Why does cross-allergy develop?
Cross-allergy develops against the background of existing allergic sensitivity. Most often, it occurs in people with seasonal allergies to plant pollen. Factors influencing the development of the disease include:
- hereditary predisposition to allergic reactions;
- prolonged contact with allergens;
- increased sensitivity of the immune system;
- impaired barrier function of mucous membranes.
Reactions can manifest both during the pollination season and throughout the year, depending on the type of allergen.
Sun allergy: doctor spoke about symptoms and causes03.07.25, 09:19 • 31731 view
The most common triggers for cross-allergy
Cross-reactions have a typical character. Among the most well-known allergenic combinations, doctors name the following:
- birch pollen - apples, pears, carrots, nuts;
- ragweed pollen - melon, banana, cucumber;
- grass pollen - tomatoes, potatoes;
- latex - bananas, avocados, kiwi.
Symptoms of cross-allergy: what to pay special attention to
The manifestations of the disease depend on individual sensitivity and the type of allergen. Most often observed:
- itching in the oral cavity;
- swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat;
- redness of mucous membranes;
- nasal congestion;
- sneezing;
- skin rashes;
- digestive disorders.
In some patients, symptoms are limited to the oral cavity. Allergists call this condition oral allergy syndrome. In more complex cases, systemic reactions of the body to irritants are possible.
Doctor on cold allergy: even beauty procedures can be the cause17.11.25, 09:00 • 115019 views
When symptoms require medical attention
You should urgently consult a doctor if:
- symptoms recur after consuming certain
products;
- reactions become more intense;
- difficulty breathing appears;
- swelling of the face or neck occurs;
- there are signs of a generalized allergic reaction.
Doctors once again remind Ukrainians: timely diagnosis reduces the risks of complications.
Methods for diagnosing cross-allergy
Several approaches are used to diagnose cross-allergy:
- collection of anamnesis and analysis of symptoms;
- skin allergy tests;
- laboratory blood tests for specific
immunoglobulins;
- molecular allergology.
The latter method allows to establish which proteins the body reacts to, which is important for accurate determination of cross-links.
How and what treats cross-allergy
Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and reducing contact with allergens. Allergists advise:
- exclude or limit products that cause
reaction;
- take antihistamines prescribed by
a doctor;
- use topical agents to relieve
symptoms;
- seek allergen-specific immunotherapy as prescribed by doctors. It involves the gradual introduction of an allergen in
controlled doses to reduce the body's sensitivity.
Nutrition for cross-allergy
Dietary adjustment is an important part of managing health with a condition like cross-allergy. Doctors recommend their patients:
- avoid raw foods that cause symptoms;
- heat treat vegetables and fruits, which can
reduce allergenicity;
- keep a food diary to monitor diet and
health;
- gradually try new foods under the supervision of
allergists.
Prevention of cross-allergy
Preventive measures are aimed at reducing the risk of reactions. In particular, this includes controlling contact with pollen during flowering, using air purifiers indoors, following dietary recommendations, and regular monitoring by an allergist.
It is also important to treat the underlying allergy in a timely manner, as this affects the development of cross-reactions.
Cross-allergy in children: what to keep in mind
In children, cross-allergy can manifest gradually, in parallel with the formation of the immune system. In adults, a connection with seasonal allergies is more often observed. The intensity of symptoms can vary depending on the general condition of the body and the level of contact with allergens.
Controlling the condition of patients of different ages in any case requires an individual approach, taking into account specific allergens and body reactions.
Recall
Recently, scientists found an built-in weapon against peanut allergy. Studies have shown that many tiny microbes, common in both the oral cavity and the human gut, are capable of breaking down several dangerous proteins known to cause this type of nut allergy.