Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsPeach AllergySymptomsTreatment OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
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Table of Contents
Symptoms
Peach Allergy
Treatment Options
Frequently Asked Questions
If you experience an itchy or swollen mouth or face after eating apear, you might be experiencingallergy symptoms. Pear allergies are rare, but they do occur.
Usually, they occur because the proteins in fruits like pears are very similar to the proteins in pollen, particularlybirch pollen. If you havehay feverand are allergic to birch pollen, you also may experience pear allergy symptoms.
This article discusses pear allergies, including symptoms, and treatments.
Francesco Carta fotografo/Getty Images
What Happens Inside Your Body
No one knows exactly how many people suffer from pear allergies. That’s because a true pear allergy is incredibly rare. Instead, most people who experience pear allergy symptoms are reacting to proteins in the pear that are similar to proteins found in birch pollen or in peaches.
Immune System Reaction to Pear Protein
The most common cause of pear allergy in North America is an allergen found in both pears and birch pollen. The protein in the skins of pears is similar to the protein that causes allergies to birch tree pollen. So, people who are allergic to birch pollen are typically also allergic to pears.
Some people experience an allergic reaction to pears because they are allergic to peaches. A protein in pears mimics the peach protein that triggers the allergy. Although this can happen anywhere, it’s most common in people living in the Mediterranean.
In addition to OAS symptoms of the mouth and throat, people with a peach allergy also are prone to gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea and vomiting. People with this type of allergy cannot eat a cooked pear and are likely to also be allergic to apples, peaches, plums, cherries, apricots, hazelnuts, or walnuts.
The most common pear allergy symptoms are itching and minor swelling in and around the mouth. If you experience OAS, you’ll notice swelling or itching in the:
These symptoms usually occur immediately after eating a pear but may occur up to an hour later. In rare cases, people with pear allergies may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Prevention
Cooked, canned, and baked forms of raw fruit are generally well tolerated. Sometimes even skinned pear can cause OAS symptoms. Every patient’s tolerance is different. Unfortunately, if you are allergic to peaches you will likely need to avoid pears altogether.
Summary
Few people are truly allergic to pears. However, proteins found in pears are similar to those found in birch pollen and in peaches. People who are allergic to those substances may react to pears. Pear allergy symptoms are generally mild and will resolve on their own, but more dangerous reactions are possible, so reach out to your healthcare provider or call 911 if you are concerned.
A Word From Verywell
Pear allergies are very rare, so most people don’t need a test. If you experience a pear allergy you can simply avoid the fruit, but if you want a more thorough diagnosis talk to your healthcare provider about askin prick test or food challenge.
Oral allergy syndrome, also known as pollen food allergy syndrome, is a localized allergic reaction in the mouth and throat. It happens when proteins in some fruits, including pears, mimic proteins in pollen that cause allergic reactions.
The most common sign of pear allergies is swelling or itching in the face or throat. Some people experience gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of Manchester.Allergy information for pear.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.Oral allergy syndrome.Barni S, Caimmi D, Chiera F, et al.Phenotypes and endotypes of peach allergy: what is new?Nutrients. 2022;14(5):998.Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Oral Allergy Syndrome.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of Manchester.Allergy information for pear.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.Oral allergy syndrome.Barni S, Caimmi D, Chiera F, et al.Phenotypes and endotypes of peach allergy: what is new?Nutrients. 2022;14(5):998.Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Oral Allergy Syndrome.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
University of Manchester.Allergy information for pear.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.Oral allergy syndrome.Barni S, Caimmi D, Chiera F, et al.Phenotypes and endotypes of peach allergy: what is new?Nutrients. 2022;14(5):998.Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Oral Allergy Syndrome.
University of Manchester.Allergy information for pear.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.Oral allergy syndrome.
Barni S, Caimmi D, Chiera F, et al.Phenotypes and endotypes of peach allergy: what is new?Nutrients. 2022;14(5):998.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Oral Allergy Syndrome.
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