The common symptoms of allergies are well known: itchy eyes, runny nose, headaches. The symptoms of oral allergies are less known. Oral allergies occur as an allergic reaction to a food. For example, if an individual is allergic to ragweed the same person will often exhibit an allergic reaction to certain fruits and vegetables such as melons, cucumbers and bananas. The allergic reaction may manifest as mouth sores, a tingling sensation or an itching in the throat. Cooking or peeling the offending fruit or vegetable will eliminate the most common allergens from the food. Antihistamines can be taken to reduce the symptoms if they do not decrease on their own within a few minutes.

Medical treatments are also available. Oral allergies are handled in much the same way as other food allergies. The allergist will place a small amount of the extract of the allergen under the patient’s tongue. The theory behind this method is similar to that behind the use of allergy shots. Allergy shots teach the body to become tolerant of the allergen and eventually the allergic reactions reduce or subside completely.

In some cases allergic reactions will be much more severe causing the throat or tongue to swell, hives or a fever. If an individual is experiencing an allergic reaction it is always best to seek the advice of a medical professional to determine the severity of the situation.

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