Melons and possible allergic reaction?

Question

when ever i eat watermelons, honey dew melons, or cantaloupe i get a weird itchiness in the back top of my mouth and my nose but it lasts no more than about an hour (depends on how much i eat) i love melons and i really hope this is just something that melons can do to people. even if it is an allergic reaction it isn't bad enough for me to stop eating them. so is it something melons can do to people or is it allergies to them?

i have had this ever since i can remember and i get mad when i forget about it and never ask my doctor so since i remember might as well ask someone.

Answer 1

It sounds like oral allergy syndrome, which isn't a true food allergy but is a cross sensitivity to pollen.  It's irritating, I've got it but after going through allergy shots to help with hay fever and other allergies my sensitivity to melons, kiwi, and other fruits has faded away.

Answer 2

You have a textbook case of oral allergy syndrome.  (which I also have).  I would bet the farm that you also have a grass and/or ragweed allergy.  The protiens in grass resemble the protiens in these foods, so your body, over time, has developed a sensitivity to them. If so, there's a chance you have an allergy to raw tomatoes and oranges as well.  Sadly, this condition tends  to get worse (your sensitivity increases), but with regular immunotherapy shots (for the rest of your life), your symptoms can be reduced or eliminated.  You may also consume these fruits if they are cooked (like in jellies), pasteurized (like in juices) or pickled.