Many parents are surprised when their child senses something strange after consuming a certain kind of food. When a child says after eating strawberries that their tongue is itchy, it can cause you to worry and wonder what is happening.

 

 

 

 

 

Some children and a few other people may have digestive problems whenever they eat strawberries. Although this reaction may be concerning, it can sometimes just be the start of an mild allergic reaction. Recognizing what leads to this behavior makes it easier for parents to care for their child’s health.

 

 

 

 

Feeling your tongue itching after eating strawberries is usually caused by Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS). The immune system mistakes certain things found in fruit and vegetables as dangerous, leading it to react as it would to pollen allergens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Besides other fruits, strawberries include certain proteins that can appear very similar to proteins in pollen, like that found in birch pollen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People who are sensitive to them, the body thinks strawberries are dangerous and may cause a light allergic reaction. As a result, you may feel itching or tingling in your mouth, lips, tongue or throat right after eating.

 

 

 

 

Usually, the symptoms of Oral Allergy Syndrome are mild and go away quickly. Most children who react to it find that their discomfort disappears soon after they swallow or remove the food from their mouth.

 

 

 

 

Frequently, people feel itching or a strange tingling and sometimes, their lips or tongue become a little swollen. Even though these shouldn’t be a big concern, you should be aware and see a doctor if any become worse or are followed by new symptoms such as trouble breathing or swallowing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If this happens, you should seek medical help quickly, because it can represent a serious allergic reaction.

 

 

 

 

For a variety of reasons, Oral Allergy Syndrome affects children more often than adults. Because their defenses are not fully grown, their bodies are practicing to identify both safe and dangerous things.

 

 

 

By developing all the time, they may become more active in their response to proteins in unknown foods. Since children are trying out new foods at this stage, the chance of trying something that brings on a reaction is definitely higher.

 

 

 

The most important feature of Oral Allergy Syndrome is a condition called pollen-fruit cross-reactivity. When the body mistakes proteins in fruits for proteins in pollens, this happens. Kids who are allergic to birch pollen may react to strawberries, apples and other fruits with proteins that are similar to what they are allergic to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Because of cross-reactivity, the immune system may try to destroy fruit proteins, even though they are harmless. The resemblance in a protein’s structure causes the body to react with only a mild allergic reaction.

 

 

 

Due to their particular protein structure, strawberries may lead to Oral Allergy Syndrome. The proteins act like pollen allergens and, when they come in contact with the tongue or mouth lining, can set off an immune response. It’s interesting that these proteins can be damaged by heat.

 

 

As a result, you can process or cook strawberries and avoid the reaction. For this reason, many children allergic to strawberries can safely consume strawberry jam, pie or any dish made with cooked strawberries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People should also be aware that food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances are different things. A type of food allergy called Oral Allergy Syndrome generally produces milder symptoms than other severe reactions or anaphylaxis.

 

 

 

In this case, unlike an allergy, food symptoms may include digestive discomfort or some different but non-allergic problems. If a parent isn’t sure what is affecting their child, seeing an allergist can determine if it’s an allergy, a sensitivity or a different problem.

 

 

 

Achieving success with Oral Allergy Syndrome requires you to use different approaches. The first thing to do if strawberries trigger you is to avoid them raw. Serving cooked or processed versions may let the child keep eating the fruit without health problems. Recording your meals each day can make it easier to find the causes behind your reactions.

 

 

 

Teaching the child about their symptoms allows them to join in on managing their problem. Taking antihistamines bought from your pharmacy may help with mild symptoms, but it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider about any treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Should a child’s reactions to foods occur more often, seem worse or lead to symptoms from other foods, a medical consultation is advised. An allergist or other healthcare professional is qualified to check for food allergies or hypersensitivities in your child.

 

 

With this knowledge, it’s possible to make a personalized management plan. For children dealing with asthma or eczema in addition to food allergies, getting specialist care is very important, since these allergies often interact with each other.

 

 

 

Why some children get an itchy tongue from strawberries is helpful information for management and relieving anxiety. Even though Oral Allergy Syndrome generally isn’t serious, being aware and watchful can keep your child comfortable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working together with doctors and educating your child lets you handle food problems with confidence. Being able to detect symptoms, work on prevention and know when help is needed helps your child stay healthy and feel better around food.