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Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFS) is a highly popular food allergy . Patients will experience allergic symptoms when eating raw plant foods. Accurate diagnosis of PFS can effectively avoid the misdiagnosis of primary peanut or nut allergies in , or differentiate it from nonspecific lipid transfer protein plant food allergies in . PFS can usually be diagnosed based on clinical history only .
htmlOn August 17, Clin Exp Allergy published a PFS diagnosis and management guide, mainly targeting individuals with birch sensitive to to help stratify patients and optimize the management of allergic patients. This article supplements the previous guide to British Society for Allergic Reactions and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) on Nuts and peanuts , introducing other plant food allergies, such as nonspecific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP) . Summary of the guidelines: Diagnosis ofPFS
PFS appears in children and adults who are sensitive to birch pollen, showing symptoms such as mild oropharyngeal itching/swelling immediately after consuming raw plant foods. The causes include apple , stone fruit type fruit, kiwi , carrot , celery, hazelnut , almonds, walnuts, soy milk and peanuts and other foods. If typical symptoms appear after exposure to allergic foods, you can be diagnosed. Allergy testing and/or referral may be required for patients with severe symptoms or response to cooked or atypical plant-based foods. The procedure for PFS diagnosis based on the patient's clinical manifestations and medical history is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Diagnostic pollen food allergy syndrome based on clinical history
PFS Management
Many allergic food can trigger PFS. Generally speaking, it can be diagnosed only through clinical history. In special cases, allergic testing for food may be required. The main method of PFS management is to avoid allergic foods . It is recommended to use antihistamine after exposure. See Table 1 for specific guidelines and suggestions.
Table 1 Diagnosis and management of PFS
This article was first published: Medlive-Dermatology
References: Skypala IJ, Hunter H, Krishna MT, et al. BSACI guideline for the diagnosis and management of pollen food syndrome in the UK. Clin Exp Allergy. 2022 Sep;52 (9):1018-1034. doi: 10.1111/cea.14208. Epub 2022 Aug 17. PMID: 35975576.
