The pollen from a barberry shrub has been identified at causing upper-respiratory allergic reaction when inhaled, according to Drugs.com. The shrub is mostly found in the southern states and is the most predominate in Tampa, Florida, according to the Pollen Library. During spring time, people who are allergic to the pollen from the shrub will develop symptoms commonly associated with hay fever, or allergic rhinitis. If you suspect that you're allergic to the bayberry shrub, talk with an allergist for proper testing and a diagnosis.
Allergy Cause
If you're allergic to bayberry shrub pollen, your immune system mistakes the pollen as a dangerous substance. An allergen is any substance that your body doesn't recognize and develops an resistance against it. MedlinePlus states that on hot, dry, windy days, the pollen from the bayberry bush is at its peak. On days that are cool, damp and rainy, the pollen is forced to the ground and washed away. When you inhale the pollen, your body creates various chemicals to fight it off, such as histamine. These chemicals cause common hay fever symptoms.
Hay Fever
Hay fever symptoms develop during the spring and summer months when bayberry shrub pollen is at its peak. If you're allergic to the pollen, you will develop cold-like symptoms, such as watery eyes, itchy eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, sinus pressure, facial pain, decreased sense of taste and smell, itchy nose or mouth and swollen, bluish-colored skin under your eyes, according to MayoClinic.com. Hay fever symptoms will increase and decrease depending on how much of the allergen you're exposed to.
Avoidance
The most effective way to prevent an allergic reaction to bayberry shrub pollen is to avoid exposure to it, according to MedlinePlus. Stay indoors as much as possible with the windows and doors shut. Run your air conditioner and an air purifier to reduce the amount of pollen in your home. When in the car, keep your windows closed and your air condition running. If you spend an extended amount of time outdoors, change your clothing and take a shower to remove any residue.
Treatment
Over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines and decongestants can help to reduce the symptoms of hay fever. Antihistamines block your body from creating histamine and decongestants reduce the swelling in your sinus cavities, according to MayoClinic.com. Severe allergies towards bayberry shrub pollen may require a prescription of a corticosteroid nasal spray to maintain normal sinus cavities.
