Patients with unexplained springtime eye and nasal symptoms may have formed allergies to birch pollen. Strong native birch growth habits can quickly build forests in the Northern, Central and Eastern United States, and the number of popular ornamental birches is rising. Even individuals who have never had tree allergies before can develop sensitivities from this influx. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) note that people who get seasonal allergy symptoms from yellow or mountain paper birches may also be affected by closely related beech and oak trees.
Respiratory Symptoms
Nasal allergy symptoms from birch pollen may mimic those of a cold or flu, but no fever will be present. According to the University of Maryland (UM) Medical Center, a runny nose may alternate with nasal and sinus congestion. Sneezing may occur frequently and forcefully as the body tries to eject the allergens and excess fluid. Postnasal drip may form, which can irritate the throat and cause coughing. Tree allergies often overwhelm allergy patients who also have asthma. In the presence of high pollen counts, patients may experience increased asthma breathing problems, such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
Eye Symptoms
The inflammatory response that creates respiratory allergy symptoms also affects the mucous membranes, or conjunctiva, of the eyes. Tree allergies create direct contact with allergens when tiny, airborne birch pollen grains strike and stick to the eyes, as well as the nasal membranes. The body releases histamine chemicals, and as the Cleveland Clinic reports, the resulting inflammation turns the white part of the eye red. Pools of thickened fluid accumulate and overflow, causing teary eyes that may form crusts. The eyelids become puffy in this symptomatic condition known as allergic conjunctivitis.
Itching Symptoms
Histamines released in allergic reactions to birch pollen also create itching sensations in the mucous membranes, such as the nasal passages. The UM Medical Center also notes that itching allergy symptoms may locate in the mouth, throat and ears and can exacerbate allergic conjunctivitis with eye itching.
Symptom Onset
In order to diagnose tree allergies, physicians will want to know how and when patients' symptoms appeared. If nose and eye allergy problems develop in April or May, tree pollen is a likely source, notes the NIH. Proximity to stands of trees is not necessary; birch allergy attacks can occur where there are no nearby trees. The quality of tree pollen makes it able to travel long distances. With outdoor exposure, patients' symptoms may increase in the morning and on hot and windy days. They should decrease following significant rainfall.
