Do you also get a series of sneezes when you wake up in the morning? Does your nose feel stuffy and constantly blocked? Or do your eyes get red and itchy? Many people think that this is an allergy caused by dust, or a cold is coming. But have you ever thought that the cause of this problem could be a beautiful tree in your garden, or on the side of the road? Yes, this is what we call an allergy caused by tree pollen, or `Tree Pollen Allergy`. Let's talk about this in detail today.
Why is the pollen of these trees allergenic?
Simply put, some trees release their pollen into the air when they bloom. This pollen is very fine, like a powder. So the wind can carry it for miles. So even if the pollen is from a tree that is not near your house, you can still have an allergic reaction. When we breathe in this tiny pollen, our
immune system thinks it is a dangerous invader. It then starts to fight it off.
This fight results in allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Many people think that trees with beautiful, colorful flowers are the ones that cause allergies . But the truth is the opposite. The pollen from such trees is usually a little larger and stickier. They don't carry it very far on the wind, so they cause very few allergies.
What types of trees cause the most allergies?
There are many types of trees that cause allergies around the world. Although there is little specific research on this in Sri Lanka, the following are some of the types of trees that are commonly known to cause allergies. Some of these may not be common in Sri Lanka, but it is important to be aware of them.
| Tree type | Tree type |
|---|
| Ash | Hickory |
| Aspen | Mountain elder |
| Beech | Mulberry |
| Birch | Oak |
| Box elder | Pecan |
| Cedar | Willow |
| Cottonwood | Elm |
3 things that make allergies worse
1. Hot, windy days
On sunny, windy days, this dry pollen easily gets carried by the wind and spreads everywhere. Therefore, your allergies may increase on days like these.
On rainy, cold days, the amount of pollen in the air is usually lower. 2. Some fruits and vegetables
This is a bit surprising. If you are allergic to pollen from certain trees, you may also experience allergic symptoms when you eat certain fruits and vegetables. For example, someone who is allergic to birch pollen
may experience itching and swelling in the inside of their mouth, lips, and tongue after eating apples, carrots, celery, hazelnuts, peaches, or pears. This is because the body confuses the proteins in the pollen with the proteins in these foods.
3. Having an allergic tree in your garden
How close you are to a tree that you are allergic to has a big impact. Imagine having that tree in your backyard. Then you could be inhaling ten times the amount of pollen from a tree across the street. That would make your symptoms worse.
Things you can do to control this
Don't think that this is difficult to live with. There are some simple things you can do to manage this condition.
- Get tested: First of all, it is very important to know exactly what tree pollen you are allergic to. There are specific allergy tests for this. You can talk to your doctor and get advice on this. Once you know the exact cause, it is easier to avoid it.
- Stay away from pollen as much as possible: This is the simplest solution.
- Stay indoors as much as possible during peak pollen times, especially in the morning and on windy days.
- Keep the windows closed at home. If you use an air conditioner (AC), clean its filters regularly.
- If you go out, wear a cap. When you get home, wash your hands and face (especially the inside of your eyes and nostrils). It's also a good idea to change your clothes if possible. Pollen can be stuck to your clothes and hair.
- Take care of your garden trees: If you are sure that a tree in your garden is causing your allergies, you can reduce the amount of pollen released by pruning it. As a last resort, you can remove the tree and plant a tree that is less likely to cause allergies (e.g. apple, cherry, pine).
- Treat it: There are many good medications to control these symptoms.
- Antihistamines : These are the most commonly used type of medication. They reduce or prevent allergy symptoms.
- Immunotherapy : For some people, treatments like allergy shots can make a big difference. This involves giving the body very small amounts of the allergen over a period of time, allowing the body to become accustomed to it.
The most important thing is to consult your doctor before using any of these medications or treatments. He or she will examine your condition and prescribe the treatment that is most suitable for you.
Take-Home Message
- Tree pollen allergy is a common condition that causes symptoms such as frequent sneezing , nasal congestion , and itchy eyes.
- The reason is the inhalation of very fine pollen released into the wind by some tree species.
- Symptoms may worsen on hot, windy days.
- It is important to undergo an allergy test under medical advice to find out which type of pollen you are allergic to.
- Symptoms can be controlled by limiting outdoor activities during high pollen seasons, keeping windows closed at home, and changing clothes after coming back from outside.
- Always consult your doctor before taking any medication.
Pollen allergy, Tree Pollen Allergy, Sneezing, Itchy nose, Red eyes, Respiratory diseases, Allergies
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