Otherwise known as cottonwood, poplar is a pollen-producing tree that grows throughout North America. Poplar pollen induces a variety of allergic symptoms in some people, including asthma, red eyes and hay fever. Due to the similarities between the allergens in poplar pollen and proteins in some plant products, there is often a link between poplar tree allergies and a condition known as oral allergy syndrome.
Pollination
Many plants and trees require insects and other animals to reproduce, while others use a combination of different methods. Poplar trees, by contrast, rely entirely on the wind to reproduce. To make up for this inefficient method of reproduction, poplar trees produce a prodigious amount of pollen during their reproductive season. This accumulation of poplar pollen results in white, fluffy clouds that resemble cotton. Despite the visual appeal of this seasonal sight, the broad distribution of poplar pollen creates a range of problems for allergy sufferers.
Hay Fever
Otherwise known as allergic rhinitis, the symptoms of hay fever strike sufferers after exposure to airborne allergens. While these also include dust and dander, hay fever is primarily associated with the springtime production of pollen by trees attempting to reproduce. For people who are allergic to poplar pollen, this can result in burning or itching sensations in your throat, mouth, nose and skin; a runny nose; sneezing; headaches; coughing; a sore throat; and teary, swollen eyes.
Other Allergies
Although poplar allergies typically manifest as hay fever, some allergy sufferers may experience more severe symptoms. Inhaling the airborne pollen particles, for example, can lead to breathing difficulties and potentially trigger severe reactions in people with asthma. Similar to pink eye, a condition known as allergic conjunctivitis can arise from exposure to poplar pollen. Many of the symptoms of this condition are similar to, but more severe than, those of hay fever. If you experience conjunctivitis due to poplar pollen, you may experience red eyes, overwhelming itching and burning sensations, puffy eyelids, watery eyes and stringy eye discharge.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
In a December 11, 2007, report for "U.S. News," Matthew Shulman notes that poplar allergies are triggered by compounds similar to the allergens in raw fruits and vegetables. For some poplar allergy sufferers, exposure to the allergens in some raw fruits, vegetables, seeds, legumes, nuts and spices triggers a collection of symptoms known as oral allergy syndrome. These primarily include burning, itching and swelling in your mouth, on your lips and in your throat, though some people may experience symptoms more like those of hay fever-like after eating or touching these raw foods. As both of these allergies arise from a similar cause, allergist Dr. Antony Ham Pong suggests that you can treat both poplar allergies and oral allergy syndrome with antihistamines.
