• Allergies

What is an Alder Tree Pollen Allergy?

Around a quarter of people in the United States have a pollen allergy. Alder, birch, and cedar are a few tree species that people tend to have an allergy to. Pollen is most prominent at the beginning of the year, especially during the springtime in the United States.

If you have a tree pollen allergy, you may also experience some allergy symptoms when eating certain foods. Different types of tree pollen allergies that trigger food allergies are also known as  oral allergy syndrome (OAS) or pollen-food allergy syndrome.

What are Alder Tree Allergy Symptoms?

An allergy to alder trees may trigger seasonal allergy symptoms when eating certain foods. Some foods contain the same protein present in alder tree pollen. When your immune system interacts with the protein in pollen or food, the following symptoms may happen:

• Itchiness

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Swelling

• Watery eyes

• Redness

• Postnasal drip

Be sure to reach out for emergency help if you experience trouble breathing, fever, or a skin rash.

When is Alder Tree Pollen Season?

Alder tree pollen is typically the highest from January to April. Many people are more likely to experience symptoms when near heavily wooded areas. For people with a higher sensitivity to alder tree pollen, they may still experience symptoms right before and after the spring.

Foods to Avoid if You Have an Alder Tree Pollen Allergy

While any food may cause mild allergy symptoms, the following foods are more likely to cross-react with alder tree pollen:

• Almond

• Peach

• Parsley

• Cherries

• Celery

• Hazelnut

• Pears

Other foods beyond this list may cause itchiness in the throat and mouth. Try to avoid them when possible if you notice any symptoms. In some cases, you may only notice symptoms when the food is in its raw form.

How to Diagnose an Alder Tree Pollen Allergy

A healthcare provider diagnoses any allergies you may have with an allergy test. The skin prick test is an allergy test where a healthcare provider applies a small dose of allergens to the skin. If an allergen causes itchiness or red bumps on the skin, it's a sign of an allergen to avoid.

How to Treat an Alder Tree Pollen Allergy

A healthcare provider may offer suggestions for staying safe from any allergens that an allergy test detects. Most alder tree pollen symptoms are mild and may be treated with OTC (over-the-counter) medications and home remedies.

The following OTC medications help prevent symptoms:

• Antihistamines: OTC medications reduce the chemical histamine in the body to help regulate the immune system. Most medications like Zyrtec (cetirizine), Claritin (loratadine), and Allegra (fexofenadine) are found in your local pharmacy to temporarily relieve symptoms.

• Decongestants: Nasal sprays, drops, pills, and liquids that work to relieve stuffiness in the nasal passages. These medications should not be used long-term. Healthcare providers recommend using these medications for no longer than three days to relieve congestion. Common decongestants include Vicks, Afrin (oxymetazoline), and Sinex.

• Nasal sprays and rinses: You can make or purchase saltwater nasal rinses to flush mucus out of your nasal passages. Corticosteroid nasal sprays can be used to reduce inflammation in the nose. Flonase, Nasacort, and Rhinocort are a few commonly used nasal sprays.

How to Prevent an Alder Tree Pollen Allergy

You can prevent allergy symptoms by taking careful steps during allergy season to reduce your exposure. This may include avoiding spending a lot of time in wooded areas and wearing a mask over the nose during high pollen count days. Be sure to keep your hands from around your face without washing your hands first. Regularly washing your sheets and clothes may also help reduce allergy symptoms.

How LifeMD Can Help

An alder tree pollen allergy can feel different for everyone. During the spring season, there are many options for managing allergy symptoms. At LifeMD, a licensed healthcare provider may offer you tips on preparing for allergy season.

Schedule an appointment today to learn more about dealing with alder tree pollen allergy symptoms.

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