The best way to prevent the symptoms associated with oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is to avoid any offending foods. By successfully removing foods that cross-react with an individual’s pollen allergy, a person can prevent any further cross-reactions. It is often possible to substantially reduce or prevent the allergic nature of some types of fruits and vegetables simply by cooking them. Fortunately, the problem protein found in these types of foods is very sensitive to changes in temperature. Frozen fruits and vegetables often loose their ability to stimulate the symptoms of OAS, as do canned and dried foods. Nuts, however, may trigger allergic reactions whether raw or cooked.

The symptoms of OAS are typically mild, and individuals with the condition usually do not require medical treatment. However, antihistamines can be used to relieve symptoms when a reaction to a fruit, vegetable or nut occurs. It should be noted that antihistamines should only be used to treat OAS if a physician has determined that a food allergy is not also present. Antihistamines are not a replacement for epinephrine in the case of a food allergy.

Antihistamines are medications that provide relief for more common allergy reactions such as hives, sneezing, runny nose and gastrointestinal symptoms. Antihistamines directly counteract the effects of the histamines, which are responsible for most allergy symptoms. This type of medication can successfully treat the itching and swelling associated with OAS. Antihistamines can also be taken prior to contact with a fruit, vegetable or nut to lessen the severity of a reaction.

Allergy shots have been proven effective at treating OAS. This type of immunotherapy involves the patient receiving regular injections of a problem protein to build up a tolerance. Since OAS symptoms are caused by a cross reaction, allergy shots that effectively treat a pollen allergy will also affect any cross-reactions with similar food proteins.

The treatment of pollen allergies does not change in individuals who have OAS.