Fruit and veg allergies soaring

Cases of oral allergies to fruit and vegetables are rapidly increasing, according to a British specialist.

Dr Pamela Ewan, an allergy consultant at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, said the rise in cases appears to be outstripping even peanut allergies.
Dr Ewan, who sees more than 8,000 people with allergies a year, said most patients with reactions to fruit and vegetables were youngsters.
Symptoms include swelling in the mouth and throat, and breathing difficulties.

ALLERGY OR INTOLERANCE?

• An allergy is when the immune system reacts to a harmless substance such as a food or pollen, as if it isn't safe
• A severe allergy can cause a potentially life threatening shock known as anaphylaxis
• An intolerance does not affect the immune system
• An intolerance is generally not life threatening and the symptoms less severe
• An intolerance is being unable to digest certain foods such as lactose in milk