2023-05-01 06:01:10
The hay fever season is in full swing.. Sniffling and red, itchy eyes are inevitable again. Those who suffer from pollen and grasses can suddenly have an allergic reaction to certain foods. This is called a cross reaction. We explain what it is and how it happens.
What is a cross reaction?
A cross-reaction arises because the body is not always able to distinguish between proteins that are very similar. This can be done in various ways. In people with hay fever, it is about the combination of pollen and foods. The body then thinks it recognizes the allergy of hay fever, but this is actually not the case. The most common complaints are tingling and irritation in the mouth, throat and eyes.
Not everyone suffers from it
Not everyone who has hay fever will have a cross reaction. It is therefore not necessary to stop eating certain foods in advance. The cross-reaction does not only occur between pollen and food, some people cannot tolerate latex and therefore get a cross-reaction with food.
Read also: Which crops cause the most hay fever complaints during the hay fever season and when?
Which tussock or grass crosses with which food?
Not every food reacts to every tussock or grass. We list what intersects with each other.
- Birch: apple, pear, cherry, peach, kiwi, hazelnut, walnut, carrot, potato and celery.
- Mugwort: celery, carrot, fennel, parsley, coriander and mustard.
- Grass: potato, tomato, wheat, peanut, soybean and pea.
The complaints can also show something else
In addition to the well-known hay fever complaints, you may also suddenly suffer from stomach and intestinal complaints or swollen mucous membranes in the mouth. This does not have to be a cross reaction, but can also be something else. So keep an eye on this and, if in doubt, check the home doctor website (the website of GPs) or call your GP.
A cross reaction or a food allergy?
Anyone who gets tingling in the mouth while eating may also think that it is a food allergy. To determine this, the food can first be tasted both cold and hot. Is the tingling present in both? Then a visit to an allergist is necessary. He can determine whether it is a food allergy.
Reduce a cross reaction
What can be done about a cross reaction? It is best to drink water and rinse your mouth. And then don’t eat the product anymore. What sometimes helps is to eat the product heated. The structure of the protein then changes and the body no longer recognizes it as such. Those who cannot eat an apple can, for example, eat applesauce or apple pie.
Want to know more about hay fever?
Then watch the video of Doctor Ted’s consultation hour about hay fever
(Source: Margriet, Food Allergy Foundation, WUR, Antonius Hospital, Plus Online. Photo: Shutterstock)
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