04/03/2026
🌿 What Is Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS)?
If you’re allergic to tree pollens like birch or alder, your body may also react to certain foods. This is known as PFAS (also called oral allergy syndrome).
🌳 Alder pollen spotlight:
• Found in nearly every U.S. state (except Nebraska & South Dakota)
• A common trigger of PFAS
💡 Meaning: many people may not realize their food reactions are actually linked to seasonal pollen exposure.
🤧 Tree pollen allergies can show up as:
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing + postnasal drip
• Itchy nose, eyes, ears, or mouth
• Red, watery eyes or swelling
• Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• May also trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals
🧠 So where does PFAS come in?
Some pollen proteins closely resemble proteins in certain fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Your immune system gets “confused,” leading to itching or swelling in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat after eating those foods.
🍎 Good news: many people tolerate these foods when they’re cooked or peeled. Heat breaks down the proteins, so raw foods may trigger symptoms, while cooked versions often don’t.
💬Comment "INHALE" to learn more about testing allergies and environmental inhalants.
