Usually, they occur because the proteins in fruits like pears are very similar to the proteins in pollen, particularly birch pollen. If you have hay fever and are allergic to birch pollen, you also may experience pear allergy symptoms.
This article discusses pear allergies, including symptoms, and treatments.
What Happens Inside Your Body
No one knows exactly how many people suffer from pear allergies. That’s because a true pear allergy is incredibly rare. Instead, most people who experience pear allergy symptoms are reacting to proteins in the pear that are similar to proteins found in birch pollen or in peaches.
Most pear allergies cause oral allergy syndrome, or OAS, which is characterized by itching or minor swelling in the mouth and throat.
Immune System Reaction to Pear Protein
The most common cause of pear allergy in North America is an allergen found in both pears and birch pollen. The protein in the skins of pears is similar to the protein that causes allergies to birch tree pollen. So, people who are allergic to birch pollen are typically also allergic to pears.
Because the allergen is found mostly in the skin of pears, symptoms are worse when someone consumes the skin. The protein breaks down with heat, so people with a pear allergy caused by birch pollen can usually eat cooked and canned pears without experiencing a reaction.
Peach Allergy
Some people experience an allergic reaction to pears because they are allergic to peaches. A protein in pears mimics the peach protein that triggers the allergy. Although this can happen anywhere, it’s most common in people living in the Mediterranean.
In addition to OAS symptoms of the mouth and throat, people with a peach allergy also are prone to gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea and vomiting. People with this type of allergy cannot eat a cooked pear and are likely to also be allergic to apples, peaches, plums, cherries, apricots, hazelnuts, or walnuts.
Symptoms
The most common pear allergy symptoms are itching and minor swelling in and around the mouth. If you experience OAS, you’ll notice swelling or itching in the:
MouthLipsTongueThroat
These symptoms usually occur immediately after eating a pear but may occur up to an hour later. In rare cases, people with pear allergies may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Treatment Options
In most cases, an OAS reaction caused by a pear allergy doesn’t need treatment. The symptoms will resolve on their own. However, you can take an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine, like Benadryl, to control the symptoms and improve your comfort.
Prevention
The best way to control pear allergy symptoms is by avoiding pears. If you have a birch pollen allergy, it’s especially important to avoid pears in the spring, when allergen levels are highest. Keep in mind, however, that a reaction can occur at any time of the year.
Cooked, canned, and baked forms of raw fruit are generally well tolerated. Sometimes even skinned pear can cause OAS symptoms. Every patient’s tolerance is different. Unfortunately, if you are allergic to peaches you will likely need to avoid pears altogether.
Summary
Few people are truly allergic to pears. However, proteins found in pears are similar to those found in birch pollen and in peaches. People who are allergic to those substances may react to pears. Pear allergy symptoms are generally mild and will resolve on their own, but more dangerous reactions are possible, so reach out to your healthcare provider or call 911 if you are concerned.
A Word From Verywell
Pears are a delicious snack and great first food for babies. A pear allergy in a baby or adult is relatively rare, making them a safe food to try. However, if you notice itchiness or swelling after eating a pear, you may have OAS. If you’re determined to keep pears in your diet, talk with your healthcare provider about incorporating peeled or cooked pears, which have an even lower allergy risk.
