Food Allergies vs Seasonal Allergies: Why Raw Apples Make Your Mouth Itchy

Ever bite into a raw apple and feel your mouth itch… but you’re totally fine if it’s cooked? You’re not imagining it -  and it might not be a true food allergy.In this episode of My Allergist Dad, Drew sits down with his dad, Dr. Z, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, to break down the surprising connection between seasonal allergies and food reactions. They explain oral allergy syndrome (also called pollen-food allergy syndrome), why foods like apples, peaches, nuts, and melons can trigger symptoms, and how pollen from trees like birch can be the real culprit.You’ll learn:Why raw fruits and vegetables cause mouth and throat symptomsHow pollen allergies can show up as “food allergies”The difference between mild oral reactions and real food allergy riskWhen allergy testing can be misleadingHow immunotherapy can reduce both seasonal and food-related symptomsWhy “eating a little” matters more than people realizeThey also get into desensitization, allergy drops vs shots, and why more exposure doesn’t always mean more tolerance.If you’ve ever been confused about food reactions, allergy tests, or why your symptoms only happen certain times of year — this episode connects the dots. Have a question for Dr. Z? Listener questions drive the [email protected]