Spring brings leaves to the oak trees and sends oak pollen into the air, causing millions of allergy sufferers to reach for the antihistamines and tissue. Oak trees normally pollinate in March, April and May, with more pollen appearing in the early morning hours, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. During this time, daily reports of the pollen count can help allergy sufferers recognize when their symptoms might worsen. While most symptoms of oak pollen allergies are mild and self-limiting, serious allergic reactions can occur.
Rhinitis
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is the term used to describe the typical mild but annoying allergic reaction to oak pollen. Hay fever symptoms include sneezing, watery, swollen and itchy eyes, runny nose and cough. The throat and nose may itch, and nosebleeds may occur. Some allergy sufferers develop dark circles under their eyes called allergic shiners. Children often develop an allergic "salute," an upward swipe of the palm of the hand to rub the nose, the University of Virginia Health system states.
Treatments for hay fever symptoms include antihistamines, eye drops and decongestants. Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, helps desensitize an allergic person to the substance, which reduces symptoms. Staying indoors when oak pollen counts are high, using a HEPA air filter inside to remove particles from the air, keeping the windows closed and changing clothes immediately after spending time outside when the oak pollen count rises all help reduce symptoms.
Airway Constriction
Oak pollen allergies can cause asthma symptoms in susceptible people. Asthma causes constriction or narrowing of the bronchial tubes that carry air into the lungs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, tightness or pain in the chest, rapid heart rate, coughing, wheezing and difficulty sleeping, MayoClinic.com explains. Serious asthma attacks can be life-threatening if the airways narrow so much that enough air does not enter the lungs. People with asthma from oak pollen allergy, even if it occurs only seasonally, need medical evaluation and treatment with bronchodilators and possibly corticosteroids to reduce swelling in the airways.
Fatigue and Sinus Problems
Allergy to oak pollen can also cause fatigue, headache or feelings of pain or pressure in the sinuses or a decrease in the ability to taste or smell, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some people suffer a temporary partial hearing loss when symptoms are severe.
