What should you know about birch pollen allergy foods?

The immune system may recognise similar proteins in birch pollen and some foods. Symptoms often begin soon after eating and may include tingling, itching, or mild swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat. Cooking can alter some triggering proteins, so a person may react to a raw food but tolerate it cooked; this is not predictable for every food or person. Read about [Itchy Throat](/symptoms/itchy-throat/) and [Food Allergy](/conditions/food-allergy/).

Write down the food, whether it was raw or cooked, the amount, timing, and symptoms. Avoid a food that repeatedly causes symptoms until a clinician has assessed the pattern, but do not remove many foods without nutritional advice. Ask whether [Allergy Testing](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/allergy-testing/) is appropriate. Keep any prescribed emergency medicine accessible and tell household members what to do.

Call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, difficulty swallowing, widespread hives, repeated vomiting, dizziness, collapse, or rapidly worsening swelling. These can indicate [Anaphylaxis](/conditions/anaphylaxis/). Use prescribed emergency treatment as directed while waiting for help; see [Anaphylaxis Emergency Treatment](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/anaphylaxis-emergency-treatment/).

Does my reaction fit pollen-food cross-reaction or another allergy? Which foods should I avoid, and can I eat them cooked? Do I need testing or an emergency action plan?