Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)

Also known as: Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome

OAS happens when your immune system confuses proteins in certain raw, fruits, vegetables, or nuts with pollen allergens (like birch, ragweed, or grass). The proteins are similar, so your body reacts-even though the food itself isn’t a “true” food allergy.

Common Symptoms

  • Itchy or tingly mouth, lips, tongue, throat

  • Mild swelling of lips or tongue

  • Scratchy throat - symptoms usually start within minutes of eating and often resolve quickly.

Common Cross-Reactions

  • Birch Pollen - apples, pears, peaches, cherries, carrots, almonds and hazelnuts

  • Ragweed Pollen - melons, watermelon, cantaloupe, banana, zuchini, cucumber and kiwi

  • Grass Pollen - peaches, tomatoes, oranges

Why cooking helps - heat changes the protein structure, so many people with OAS can eat the cooked or baked version safely.

How is OAS is diagnosed - strong history of seasonal allergies. Symptoms only with raw foods. Allergy testing may show pollen sensitivity. Note: food skin tests can be falsely positive.

DISCLOSURE - This is content is provided by Allergy & Immunology Associates of New England (AIANE) for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Symptoms, reactions, and management plans vary by patient. Always consult a qualified allergy and immunology specialist for personalized care.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT - if you suspect Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) or have questions about food reactions, seasonal allergies, or immunotherapy, our team is here to help.

Allergy & Immunology Associates of New England (AIANE) Phone: (855) 763-3998

  • Serving patients across the nation.

  • In-office and telehealth consultation available.

Extreme heat can cause problems for allergy, asthma sufferer

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- In addition to the elderly and pets, there's another population that is especially sensitive to heat-related stress. We're talking about those with respiratory illnesses.

Western Massachusetts is experiencing a summer scorcher and for those who suffer from allergies and asthma, the recent heat has been unbearable.

“From all the trees, grasses, mold, ragweed, and a whole bunch of food allergies, it’s insane…I carry two epi pens and inhalers,” said Debra Joy of Hampden.

Western Mass Mews stopped by Allergy and Immunology Associates of New England in Northampton to learn more about why higher temperatures put certain populations at a higher risk. While pollen counts are currently high, Dr. Jonathan Bayuk told us that the real concern when it comes to heat is asthma.

“Allergies themselves aren’t necessarily a problem…Asthma is a whole different story, so asthma are people who have airway constriction and mucus production in their lungs and so if they have any serious asthma that’s not well controlled, this type of heat can be extremely serious,” Bayuk explained.

Bayuk told Western Mass News in the last few days, he's received several calls from people who required additional treatment, even while taking their regular medication. One of those individuals is still hospitalized.

“If you have more serious asthma or other lung conditions, you really have to be careful because it can sneak up on you very fast and you may not have a warning sign and then you’re having real trouble breathing and it’s an emergency,” Bayuk said.

If you struggle with a respiratory illness, there are some signs to look out for. Those symptoms include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and chest heaviness. In addition, those with more serious lung diseases need to be extra careful.

“Stay inside in air conditioning. If you don’t have air conditioning, really limit the movements that you can have. Make sure you have cold water, ice water, you know…cold towels, just keep your body temperature low because that extra stress from the heat can really push people over the top with lung conditions as well as heart conditions,” Bayuk said.

Dr. Bayuk named the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology Foundation’s 2020 Practice Champion of the Year

https://www.baystatehealth.org/education-research/faculty-affairs/faculty-recognition

Congratulations to Jonathan Bayuk, DO, Assistant Professor of Medicine at UMass Medical School-Baystate, who has been named the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology Foundation’s 2020 Practice Champion of the Year. This national award honors an individual’s extraordinary efforts as a clinician, educator, advocate, and humanitarian. Dr. Bayuk was nominated by a colleague and will be recognized during the Foundation’s Virtual Awards Celebration on Friday, February 26th, 2021.

The mission of the AAAAI Foundation is to fund research that leads to the prevention and cure of asthma and allergic and immunologic disease.

Food allergy concerns with items produced outside the U.S.

https://www.wwlp.com/massappeal/food-allergy-concerns-with-items-produced-outside-the-u-s/

(Mass Appeal) – We here at Mass Appeal were asked to look into whether people with food allergies are more at risk by products manufactured outside the United States versus within our country due to some of the more lenient practices in other countries. Dr. Jonathan Bayuk from Allergy & Immunology Associates of New England is here to offer his insight.

Local doctor addresses food allergy concerns over COVID-19 vaccine

Check out the full article and video here

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- With COVID-19 vaccinations now underway, early reports of allergic reactions have many people with food allergies wondering whether they should go ahead and get the vaccine.

As the coronavirus pandemic nears the one-year mark this spring, vaccinations are well underway and are offering hope for an end to the deaths and infections.

Between the Pfizer and Massachusetts-based Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, the CDC reports more than 10 million Americans have received at least the first of two doses.

“The vast majority of people who’ve gotten the vaccine do fine” said Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president of Allergy and Immunology Associates of New England.

While it will likely be a few months before the shots are available to the general public, reports of allergic reactions among have some people wondering if the vaccine is safe for them to get.

That's why Western Mass News is getting answers from Bayuk. He said there’s nothing to worry about.

“There’s no relationship with being allergic to any of those things - gluten, food of any type,” Bayuk noted.

He told Western Mass News that allergists will play a role in this process to guide people through it all.

“When you go and you think about what you’re doing and getting the vaccine, you potentially being part of ending a pandemic that changed the world forever and so there’s it’s a lot that goes on with anxiety, so I think a lot of it’s reassurance and giving people the information that they need to make the right choice, which is to get the vaccine,” Bayuk explained.

For those suffering from celiac disease or have a gluten allergy, Bayuk said you are safe to be vaccinated. He said people who are allergic to other vaccines or medications can reach out to their doctor if they have questions, but said not to worry.

Those with allergies to polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate, however, should consider not getting the vaccine, but Bayuk said those conditions are very rare.

While he has seen people have a reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine, he said they’ve been able to give almost every one of them a second dose safely.

“I want to reassure people that it's ok to get it and you should because the sooner we all get it, the sooner we're going to move past this,” Bayuk said.

You find more information online from the CDC on allergies relating to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr. Bayuk named AAAAI Practice Champion for December 2020

Congratulations to Dr. Bayuk for being named the AAAAI Practice Champion for December 2020! Check out more about this at https://www.aaaai.org/Announcements/practice-champs.

DECEMBER 2020
JONATHAN L. BAYUK, DO, FAAAAI

Jonathan L. Bayuk, DO, FAAAAI, is a community allergist practicing in Northhampton, Massachusetts, where he provides evidence-based care to a large number of grateful patients. He is a strong advocate for his patients and especially for the homeless. For the past 15 years, with personal funds, Dr. Bayuk sponsors a campaign to raise money for shelter, winter clothing and food for the homeless. This includes a televised fund matching program resulting in substantial contributions. He also rents a hall to host a Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless, and recruited his 16-year-old son at the age of 4 to first help serve. Regrettably the event could not be held this year.

While serving as President of both the New England Society of Allergy and the Massachusetts Allergy and Asthma Society, he became well-known to state legislators and the governor as a medical expert, enabling him to expand his advocacy efforts on behalf of the public and fellow allergists. Dr. Bayuk provides his colleagues with leadership mentoring and is described as a positive, energetic, and truly tireless advocate for our profession and is a key resource during the COVID-19 crisis. A faculty member at several universities, he teaches medical students and prospective physician assistants. As a clinician, advocate, mentor and educator, Dr. Bayuk is truly a Practice Champion!