As one of the most common allergies, hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis is a source of much discomfort for many Atlanta residents. Each year, tree pollen is the first pollen to arrive and frequently lasts throughout spring, summer, fall and sometimes even during the winter. However, with a wide variety of pollens affecting allergies, understanding the effects of the various types of trees is an important step towards treatment.
The Main Types of Tree Pollen
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the main types of tree pollen are alder, ash, aspen, beech, birch, box elder, cedar, cottonwood, elm, hickory, mountain elder, mulberry, oak, olive, pecan, poplar and willow. With pollen counts and pollen forecast data being easily available today, people can now get a better idea of what type of tree pollen is prevalent in their area, and when it is likely to cause allergy symptoms.
Tree Pollens to Avoid
Hay fever is caused by pollen – small powdery particles used in the fertilization of trees, plants and grasses – that can be carried in the air over long distances. Due to the volume of pollen they produce, oak, birch and cedar trees are common causes of allergies. As the pollen catches the breeze and starts to spread, allergy sufferers will begin to feel the effects and may require nasal sprays, eye drops and sinusitis treatments to cope with the symptoms.
Over the course of the year, different trees will pollinate at different times. In Atlanta and the surrounding areas, spring may be a difficult time for those with allergies to oak, cedar, willow, hickory and mulberry. Summer will see pollen from walnut, mulberry and willow trees. During fall, the groundsel tree can cause issues, while winter is most notable for ash, willow and mulberry tree pollen.
How to Identify the Tree Pollen Causing Your Allergies
With many different trees causing allergic rhinitis symptoms, it’s natural to question the cause of your own allergies. Thankfully, allergy testing can provide the answers, thus allowing better management of the issue. Allergists use skin prick tests to check multiple allergens and determine those which lead to an allergic response.
The Impact of Tree Pollen and Cross-Reactive Allergies
People with pollen allergies may be surprised when they experience a reaction after eating certain foods. However, one of the various types of allergies caused by pollen is called oral allergy syndrome. This is a cross-reactivity between proteins in fruit, vegetables, nuts and pollen. Here’s an example – for an individual with a birch pollen allergy, this means they could experience swelling and itchiness after eating an apple, celery or hazelnut. Various types of tree pollen can have a similar impact, and after diagnosing your allergy, the allergist can advise you more fully.
Effective Treatments for Tree Pollen Allergies
Do you experience allergy symptoms during tree pollen season? At the Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center, we can diagnose and treat your allergies. Visit us in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth or Johns Creek by calling (678) 668-4688 or make an appointment now.
