Timothy grass allergy and foods to avoid

Some people with pollen allergy notice an itchy mouth or throat after eating certain raw fruits or vegetables because related proteins can be recognised by the immune system. This is often called pollen-food allergy syndrome. The reaction may be limited to the mouth, and cooking can change the proteins, but this pattern is not the same for every person.

A positive allergy test alone does not prove that a food causes symptoms. Keep track of the food, preparation, amount, timing, and symptoms. [Itchy Throat](/symptoms/itchy-throat/) after eating needs context, particularly if swelling, breathing symptoms, vomiting, or dizziness occur.

Do not create a long avoidance list solely because you have Timothy grass allergy. Ask a clinician or allergist which foods, if any, should be paused, and use labels and preparation details when recording reactions. Avoid a food that has repeatedly caused symptoms until you receive advice, while maintaining a varied diet where possible.

[Allergy Testing](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/allergy-testing/) can be considered when the history suggests a true food reaction. If a clinician identifies significant food allergy, ask about an action plan and [Anaphylaxis Emergency Treatment](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/anaphylaxis-emergency-treatment/).

Call emergency services for throat or tongue swelling, trouble breathing, wheezing, widespread hives with dizziness, repeated vomiting, or collapse after eating. These symptoms may indicate [Anaphylaxis](/conditions/anaphylaxis/), and waiting to see whether they settle can be dangerous. Mild mouth itching that resolves still deserves discussion if it keeps recurring or spreads beyond the mouth.

Could my symptoms fit pollen-food allergy syndrome or another food allergy? Which foods should I avoid while this is assessed? Do I need supervised testing? What symptoms mean I should carry emergency medicine?