If you notice sneezing, congestion, headaches and itchy eyes every spring, just before the birch tree leaves emerge from their buds, then you may suffer from a birch pollen allergy. Silver birch is Betula pendula, also known as European weeping birch, and may be one of the culprits. Many people, unaware that silver birch pollen often causes allergic reactions, plant it in their yards for its unique white and brown, papery bark.
Cause
An allergic reaction to silver birch occurs when airborne birch pollen comes in contact with a person who's immune system treats the pollen as an invader. The tiny pollen grains go unnoticed as they enter the body through the nose, eyes or mouth. Once inside, antibodies recognize the birch pollen as a foreign protein and they attack it, causing a release of histamine, which results in inflammation and allergy symptoms. People who develop an allergy to silver birch trees often experience allergies when they encounter the pollen of other birch species.
Symptoms
A moderate allergen, silver birch pollen causes allergic rhinitis, a condition that presents symptoms similar to the common cold such as exhaustion, headaches, congestion, itchy eyes and sneezing. Since the proteins in birch tree pollen react with the immune system in a similar way to the raw proteins of many fruits, you may also develop certain food allergies. According to the University of Michigan Division of Allergy and Immunology "Resident and Medical Student On-line Syllabus," "people with birch sensitivity frequently react to fruits from the Rosacae family such as fresh apples, cherries, and peaches." This type of food allergy causes a tingling and numbness in the mouth, and may cause more severe symptoms in some people.
Treatments
Once you develop an allergic response to silver birch pollen, you will experience allergy symptoms whenever you come in contact with the pollen. If you live near silver birch trees, you may experience these symptoms every spring. Talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment. He may prescribe a prescription corticosteroid for moderate symptoms or immunotherapy to treat severe symptoms. Sometimes, simply washing your face more often will help remove pollen from your skin and reduce your allergic response, or you may be able to reduce your symptoms by taking over the counter antihistamines or decongestants.
Prevention
Prevent silver birch allergy symptoms by avoiding silver birch pollen. Try not to hike or walk near silver birch trees before they leaf out in the spring. If you have silver birch in your yard, you may consider replacing them. Silver birch trees in your neighborhood can affect you even if they are not in your yard, because the pollen grains can across the neighborhood in the wind. You may have to stay inside with your windows closed for a few weeks each spring.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Treatment of Allergic Rhinitus; Denise K. Sur, MD, Stephanie Scandale, MD; Jun. 15, 2010
- PollenLibrary.com: Birch: Betula
- PollenLibrary.com: European Weeping Birch: Betula pendula
- The University of Michigan Division of Allergy and Immunology; Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) / Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome; Annie Khuntia, MD, Andrew Singer, MD; Jul. 27, 2004
- Virginia Tech: Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation: European Weeping Birch
