That moment when your child eats a strawberry and suddenly complains about an itchy tongue can be confusing and concerning for any parent. This strange reaction, while unsettling, is actually more common than you might think. Many children experience this mild response due to something called Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), where their immune system gets a little confused.
What’s happening is that the proteins in strawberries look remarkably similar to pollen proteins to our bodies – especially birch pollen. For kids with pollen allergies, their immune system sometimes mistakes the fruit proteins for their pollen enemies. The result? A tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth, lips, or throat that typically fades quickly after eating.
While these symptoms are usually mild, it’s important to watch for more serious reactions like swelling or breathing difficulties, which would require immediate medical attention. Interestingly, many children who react to raw strawberries can enjoy them cooked in jams or pies, since heat changes the problematic proteins.
