Birch trees emit pollen during certain times of the year and are fueled by specific weather conditions. The pollen from birch trees is small and light and can be carried easily in the air. This is not good news if you suffer from birch tree allergies. However, an allergy to birch trees is somewhat avoidable and easily treatable by an allergist.
Effects
Birch tree sensitivity is caused by your body's reaction to its pollen. The Mayo Clinic explains that if you have an allergy to birch trees, you are more susceptible to developing allergies to certain fruits and vegetables, including hazelnuts, apples, potatoes, celery, peaches, pears and carrots. An allergy to fruits and vegetables is also called oral allergy syndrome.
Symptoms
Allergy symptoms to birch trees are most common during the spring, when pollination occurs. Hay fever and rhinitis are often associated with birch tree pollen. Other symptoms may include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itchy skin, wheezing, coughing and sinus headaches. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) explains that symptoms are aggravated on warm and windy days when the pollen is carried through the air easier.
Prevention
An allergist can help you determine whether you are allergic to birch trees by conducting skin prick tests. Once diagnosed, you can help minimize symptoms by avoiding the outdoors on days in which birch pollen counts are high. If you need to venture outside, consider wearing a face mask, especially if your allergy is severe. Avoid opening your windows, as pollen can blow inside your home. Clean your home and shower often as you can track pollen inside.
Treatment
Birch tree allergies, like other pollen allergies, are treated with antihistamines or decongestants. Antihistamines help stop allergens from aggravating symptoms by blocking histamine, while decongestants help relieve nasal and chest congestion. You may consider allergy shots if your symptoms persist after taking medication. Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, are injected by an allergist on a weekly basis. The goal of immunotherapy for birch tree allergy is to help build up your body's immunity to the pollen.
Considerations
Other types of trees pollinate during early spring, which may make identifying birch tree allergy difficult without a medical diagnosis. According to the AAAAI, such trees include cypress, hickory, oak, elm, maple, sycamore, western red cedar, walnut, ash and poplar. Pollination varies from year to year and is affected by weather conditions. Birch tree allergy sufferers will experience less symptoms on rainy days. AllergyNet reports that birch tree pollen allergies are most prevalent in people who live in temperate climates.
