Seasonal allergies occur when there is a large amount of pollen in the air. Many trees release their pollen in early spring. Allergies caused by pollen are common, affecting one in five people. Some of the most allergenic trees are elm, oak, poplar, maple and red alder. Even though these trees may not be in your own yard, a simple spring breeze may bring their pollen right to your front door.
Pollination
Deciduous trees, those that shed their leaves every year, sprout fancy cones or buds in the spring called catkins. According to Allergic Living, catkins are the reproductive organs of a tree that emerge before the leaves appear. The catkins of the male species of trees contain millions of particles of pollen that become airborne when the wind is blowing. Pollination occurs when the pollen is transported by the wind and lands on a female catkin. This is very beneficial for the livelihood of trees, but if you are an allergy sufferer, pollen can make spring one of your most miserable seasons of the year.
Symptoms
An allergy to trees, weeds or grasses is called seasonal allergic rhinitis. You may experience symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, stuffy nose and coughing. More serious symptoms include sinus or ear infections, and recurrent sore throats, reports the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
Treatment
Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines and decongestants can help treat your allergies. Also, anti-inflammatory medications, called corticosteroids, may be prescribed. Allergy shots are another option that may give you relief from the symptoms. They require frequent visits to an allergist's office and consist of a series of injections over the course of a few years. The shots are given in your upper arm.
Management
To help manage your allergies, check your local radio or television station to find out if the pollen count is high, states mayoclinic.com. Also, the Internet can give you valuable information on local pollen levels. Try to stay indoors on high pollen days, if possible, especially during the early morning hours. If available, use air conditioning in your home and in your car. Also, avoid hanging laundry outdoors and cutting your grass on high pollen days.
