[Pollen food allergy syndrome]

Abstract

Pollen food allergy syndrome, is a type I cross-reaction mediated by IgE antibodies between an aeroallergen and a plant-derived antigen. Main symptoms are typically consist of localized oral symptoms such as numbness of the lip or mouth, itching, tingling and swelling of lips, tongue, palate and pharynx without systemic symptoms. Patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, asthma or both more frequently experience pollen food allergy syndrome. Because most patients have mild symptoms and the improvement by avoiding food, the true incidence is unknown. In this review, we aimed to discuss characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of pollen food allergy syndrome according to existing literature.