Hay fever is a common allergic condition that affects one in five Americans. Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to airborne particles that cause coldlike symptoms, although it is not caused by a virus. The severity of symptoms can vary among people and may be triggered by certain pollens, such as birch pollen. Recent studies reported by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found that some foods may cause hay fever symptoms. Talk with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
Hay Fever from Birch
Birch is a tree that blooms during the spring and creates pollen. Pollen is a light substance spread by the wind. When inhaled, your body doesn't recognize it as safe and fights it by creating immunoglobulin E, or IgE, and histamine. Histamine causes inflammation, irritation and swelling throughout the respiratory system. You are at greater risk if you are male, have other known allergies or asthma, have a blood relative with allergies or were exposed to cigarette smoke in early childhood.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hay fever and a cold are similar but have some identifiable differences. Common hay fever symptoms include watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, itchy nose, itchy throat, sinus pressure, facial pain, nasal congestion, decreased sense of smell or taste and swollen eyes, according to MayoClinic.com. These symptoms begin as soon as you're exposed to the birch pollen and subside once the allergen is removed. Symptoms from hay fever never cause a fever or a thick, yellow discharge and do not cause body chills. Call your doctor for further evaluation.
Food Connection
Some foods may cause cross-reactivity with birch pollen. Cross-reactivity is a case of mistaken identity in the immune system where certain food proteins are confused with birch pollen. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia reports that the following foods can cause allergy symptoms, related to birch pollen: carrots, celery, potatoes, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, parsnips, coriander, peppers, fennel, parsley, kiwi, prunes, nectarines, apples, pears, apricots, peaches cherries and plums. Symptoms from an oral food syndrome are typically mild.
Treatment
The most effective treatment of hay fever caused by birch pollen is to avoid the allergen. Because pollen is impossible to fully avoid, you may consider taking a daily antihistamine during hay fever season. If certain foods trigger your hay fever symptoms, eliminate them from your diet or try cooking them before you eat them.
