Pollen food syndrome: learning from a case series

Abstract

Pollen food syndrome (PFS) is an IgE-mediated food hypersensitivity reaction that typically results in immediate-onset oral and oropharyngeal symptoms in individuals who are sensitized to pollen. Symptoms are often mild, but systemic allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, occur rarely. Using a cases series of six patients who were referred to our oral medicine department and for whom a diagnosis of PFS was made, we illustrate the clinical features of PFS and discuss the possibility that oral mucosal lesions may be a feature. Patients with PFS (or indeed other food hypersensitivities) may present to dental professionals in the first instance, therefore, it is important to be able to recognize key signs/symptoms, to give advice and to investigate/refer appropriately. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Awareness of the clinical features of PFS, including oral mucosal lesions, is of value to dental clinicians