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Tree Allergy Symptoms and Ways to Manage Them

Tree pollen often spreads through the air during the spring season. So many people experience irritability and inflammation in their respiratory system, which leads to sniffles and sneezes. This is generally due to a tree pollen allergy or simply tree allergy. Not just in spring, tree pollen symptoms can be observed multiple times during the year when some trees produce pollen in late winter or summer. Here are some common trees that can cause allergy symptoms, common tree allergy symptoms to watch out for, and how to manage these.

Tree Allergy Symptoms and Ways to Manage Them

Trees that cause allergy symptoms
There are several trees and plants that trigger allergic reactions in those who are susceptible to them. Some of the common trees and plants that may trigger tree pollen allergy symptoms include the following:
Birch
Hickory
Elm
Oak
Beech
Ash
Sycamore
Cottonwood
Willow
Alder
Juniper/cypress
Ragweed
Maple
Walnut
Olive
Pine
Acacia
Cedar

Cedar fever
While allergy to cedar is not common, it is generally observed in areas where these trees are present in high percentages. For example, those residing in central Texas are highly susceptible to the phenomenon known as cedar fever. This is because cedar trees are quite prevalent in this region. The trees pollinate from November to January, which is generally during the winter months. So those having tree pollen allergy may experience allergy symptoms during this time.

Common tree allergy symptoms
A person with a tree pollen allergy will experience these symptoms only when the pollen they are allergic to is in the air. These symptoms usually last for the entire day. Sometimes, the symptoms may worsen at specific times of the day. In nearly all cases, tree allergy symptoms are triggered within just an hour of exposure to the pollen. Some of the common symptoms include the following:

Runny nose
It is one of the most common tree allergy symptoms. It is sometimes also called rhinorrhea. A clear and thin nasal discharge streams from the nose as a reaction to the pollen.

Congestion or blockage in the nasal canal
The reaction to tree pollen causes congestion or blockage in the nasal canal. This makes the nose feel stuffy. A person may experience difficulty in breathing normally.

Postnasal drip
Some people also experience postnasal drip after exposure to tree pollen. Postnasal drip is when the mucus from the back of the nasal cavity goes back into the throat.

Sneezing
It is another common sign of tree allergy. Sneezing causes a lot of discomfort, is often repetitive, and becomes severe in certain cases.

Itchy nose
A person with a tree pollen allergy will also experience mild to severe itchiness in their nose, mouth, eyes, and ears. This can last for a couple of hours or the entire day.

Red and watery eyes
One of the common indications of being allergic to tree pollen is the appearance of redness and excessively watery eyes.

Swollen eyes
If a person is allergic to tree pollen, their eyes may swell after being exposed to it for sometime.

Irritability
Since all the above symptoms cause a lot of discomfort, a person may become irritable and moody.

Tiredness and fatigue
There is also a constant feeling of tiredness and fatigue.

Disturbed sleep
Due to a stuffy and runny nose, a person may have disturbed sleep as they cannot breathe normally.

Those who have asthma, as well as tree pollen allergy, may go through intense aggravated symptoms. The tree pollen triggers their allergy symptoms. Some of these symptoms include the following:

Coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Feeling pain or tightness in the chest

Tree pollen can cause some individuals to develop oral allergy syndrome or pollen food allergy syndrome. This causes an allergic reaction after eating certain foods. These symptoms include itchiness in and around the mouth. Sometimes, the area around the mouth also swells up.

Ways  to manage tree allergy symptoms
It is tough to avoid pollen altogether. It is impossible to make severe lifestyle changes by moving to another state or city with fewer plants, trees, and grassy areas. Even if a person moves to another city, there will be indoor plants that can trigger allergic symptoms. However, even if it is not possible to keep away from pollen all the time, there are certain ways to manage the symptoms. These measures will alleviate the symptoms and make it easier to get through the day.

Consult a doctor and get prescriptions to relieve runny nose, itchy mouth, and swollen eyes.

To stay safe, it’s recommended to avoid spending time outside, especially during the early morning hours from 5 am to 10 am.

While driving or traveling in a car, make sure windows are closed so that there is minimal exposure to pollen.

At night, keep the windows shut while sleeping. This will prevent the pollen from entering the home.

As far as possible, do not hang laundry outside. During peak allergy season, pollens dispersed in the air will get stuck to clothes hung outdoors to dry.

Always take a shower and change out of clothes after coming home from outdoors. This prevents pollen from lingering on the body and causing allergic symptoms.

Do not step outdoors if the weather is windy or the pollen count is expected to be high.

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