Oral allergy syndrome

Abstract

Purpose of review: Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is common in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. OAS may be less recognized in clinical practice leading to unclear diagnosis and treatment plans. Many aspects of OAS remain poorly understood, including a lack of a standard definition, limits in diagnostic tests, and complicated pathophysiology with a multitude of cross-reactivities. Understanding the range of mild-to-severe reactions will assist providers in developing the best approaches for diagnosis and management of patients with OAS.

Recent findings: A standardized definition of OAS does not exist in the current literature, which can make diagnosis and treatment of OAS difficult. Multiple studies have attempted to better define parameters for diagnosis and treatment; however, the complexity of the cross-reactivity between allergens makes this task difficult. Studies have investigated members in each of the protein families implicated in OAS, but largely without identification of broad candidate markers. Those candidate markers that have been established are typically too specific, which limits generalization.

Summary: This review will address current OAS definitions, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and available treatments. Current literature largely focuses on attempts to identify cross-reactivities and markers that may be useful in diagnosis and treatment of patients with OAS.