Episode 4: How can hay fever lead to frightening reactions with fruit & vegetables?

Welcome to today's episode of our podcast, where we will be talking about Pollen Food Syndrome, the most common form of allergy in adults. Our guest, Osteopath, Rob Williams, will be sharing his personal experience with this condition, which he suddenly developed in his late twenties. Rob will discuss his panic when he first experienced the symptoms and how it affected his daily life.

Joining us today are two experts in the field, allergy specialist Dr Michael Radcliffe and allergy dietitian, Rosemary Seddon. They will help Rob and our listeners understand the science behind pollen food syndrome and how it differs from other allergies.

Throughout the episode, they will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this little understood condition. Dr Radcliffe will explain how pollen food syndrome is related to seasonal allergies and how it can affect individuals differently. Meanwhile, Rosemary Seddon will share tips on how to manage the condition through diet and how to identify potential triggers.

Together, they will unpick Rob's case, providing insights and solutions that can help other listeners who may be experiencing pollen food syndrome, or for healthcare professionals who may be treating patients with similar symptoms. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn more about this common allergy and how to manage it effectively.

Find more information on Pollen Food Syndrome at these links:

BSACI Leaflet for GPs: https://www.bsaci.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Pollen-Food-Syndrome-leaflet-for-GPs_Aug2022.pdf

BSACI Summary of Guidelines for Diagnosis & Management of Pollen Food Syndrome/Oral Allergy Syndrome: https://www.bsaci.org/guidelines/bsaci-guidelines/diagnosis-and-management-of-pollen-food-syndrome-oral-allergy-syndrome/

British Dietetic Association Fact Sheet on Pollen Food Syndrome: https://www.bda.uk.com/resourceDetail/printPdf/?resource=food-facts-pollen-food-syndrome

Allergy UK information on Pollen Food Syndrome: https://www.allergyuk.org/resources/oral-allergy-syndrome-pollen-food-syndrome-factsheet/

If you are a healthcare professional wishing to study allergy in more detail please contact Southampton Medical School for details on their MSc in Allergy: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/allergy-masters-msc