Itching around the mouth and coughing may indicate cross-reactive allergy

In some people, eating certain fruits and vegetables can cause symptoms such as itching around the mouth, redness of the lips, throat irritation, or coughing.

This condition is often the result of cross-reactive allergy. In patients with pollinosis, immune cells may mistake molecules in some fruits, vegetables, and melons for pollen from flowering plants.

For example, during the flowering season of mugwort, eating melon, peach, grapes, or carrots may trigger allergic symptoms.

Cross-reactive allergy usually appears as oral allergic syndrome or oropharyngeal reaction: redness around the lips, itching of the tongue and mouth, coughing. Cooked products are generally considered safer.

In some cases, however, severe reactions may occur, including angioedema (Quincke’s edema), bronchospasm, or anaphylaxis. Therefore, consulting an allergist is recommended.

If none of the above symptoms are observed, no dietary restrictions are prescribed.