Pollen food syndromes

A history of rapid-onset, mild oropharyngeal symptoms to raw, but not cooked or processed plant foods, is often sufficient to confirm a diagnosis of Pollen Food Syndrome. An individual presenting with more severe or atypical symptoms to plant foods will require allergy tests. Given that pollen sensitization may affect the outcome, it is important not to discount PFS, if standard tests are positive to tree nuts or peanuts. Since the management of PFS is different to that of other plant food allergies, where there is doubt, further testing with component allergens and/or an oral food challenge will clarify the diagnosis.