Diagnosis and Management of Oral Allergy Syndrome, the Itchy Tongue Allergic Reaction

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a relatively common condition that is strongly associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Symptoms include pruritus of the oral mucosa and, in particular, the posterior tongue. Patients with OAS experience symptoms immediately after eating certain fruits, vegetables, spices, and nuts. Typically, for patients with this condition, offending foods may be cooked to avoid the symptoms. For diagnosis and management of OAS, dental clinicians should take a thorough history and be alerted to the possibility of OAS when symptoms such as pruritus of oral mucosal tissues appear immediately after the patient eats foods associated with OAS and has a concomitant history of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Because there is a relatively rare possibility of more serious symptomatology, clinicians should consider referral to the patient's primary care provider or an appropriate medical specialist. This article presents a case series comprising five patients diagnosed with OAS.