• Allergies

Tree Pollen Allergies: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Medically reviewed and edited by Harmony Vance, APRN

As the spring and summer seasons roll around, you may notice your allergy symptoms flaring up — and they may even be more severe compared to other seasons.

There are various factors that can cause these flare-ups, and tree pollen is one of the most common culprits.

Many trees tend to flower during spring and summer, meaning that they also produce pollen at a higher rate. This is what can trigger your allergies.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at tree pollen allergies and the steps you can take to minimize their impact on your daily life.

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What are Tree Pollen Allergies?

Tree pollen allergies — also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis — occur when an individual’s immune system mistakenly identifies pollen as a threat.

Pollen is a fine powder that plants produce during their reproductive cycle to facilitate blooming. However, some people may have sensitivities to this substance.

These sensitivities trigger an immune response that releases chemicals and antibodies into the bloodstream, causing allergy symptoms to develop.

Common trees that can trigger allergies

There are several tree species known for causing allergic reactions due to their high concentration of pollen, including:

• Oak trees

• Birch trees

• Cedar trees

• Maple trees

• Pine trees

It's important to note that the type and intensity of tree pollen vary by geographic location and season.

Individuals with seasonal allergies to tree pollen may experience variations in the severity of their symptoms depending on their location and the local tree population.

Tree pollen allergy symptoms

The symptoms of tree pollen allergies can range from mild to severe and often resemble those of a common cold.

However, unlike a cold, allergic reactions to pollen can persist for as long as you’re exposed to it. Typical symptoms include:

• Sneezing

• Stuffy or runny nose

• Postnasal drip

• Itchy, red, or watery eyes, and swollen eyelids

• Sore and itchy throat

• Ear congestion

• Fatigue

• Irritability

In some individuals, exposure to allergens can trigger more severe pollen allergies and reactions, such as asthma attacks or sinusitis.

Allergy sufferers may also experience worsening symptoms on days with elevated pollen counts or during activities like gardening or hiking in wooded areas.

How are Tree Pollen Allergies Diagnosed?

Diagnosing tree pollen allergies is important as it helps identify the specific allergens you’re sensitive to, ensuring that you get the right treatment.

The process usually involves a doctor taking your medical history and performing a physical examination, followed by specific allergy testing.

Allergy testing

Tree pollen allergies are typically diagnosed with a skin prick test — one of the most common forms of allergy testing.

During a skin prick test, a small number of different tree pollens are applied to the forearm or back.

Then, the skin is gently pricked or scratched to introduce the pollen just beneath the surface.

After 15 to 20 minutes, your doctor will check the area for redness, itching, or swelling that may indicate an allergic reaction.

A reaction typically indicates that you are allergic to the particular tree pollen being tested.

What are the Best Tree Pollen Allergy Treatment Options?

Medications

Several types of medications can help manage the symptoms of tree pollen allergies, including:

• Antihistamines

• Decongestants

• Nasal corticosteroids

• Leukotriene modifiers

• Eye drops

• Nasal sprays

These drugs can be over-the-counter (OTC) options or prescription-strength medications, depending on how severe your symptoms are.

Even if you require OTC drugs, it’s always advisable to consult your doctor before starting new medications as they can have side effects or interact with other medications.

Allergy immunotherapy

Allergen immunotherapy can be highly effective as a long-term treatment option. This method involves gradually exposing the body to larger doses of allergens to build tolerance.

It can be administered in two forms:

• Allergy shots: This involves regular injections of allergens over three to five years. The dosage will increase gradually and these shots are administered by a healthcare professional.

• Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT): This involves placing a tablet containing the allergen under your tongue daily. It is a more recent alternative to shots and is suitable for certain types of pollen allergies. This kind of immunotherapy is also great for people who want a needle-free treatment option.

If you’re considering immunotherapy for your allergies, speak to your doctor. They’ll be able to tell you if you’re a good candidate for this type of treatment.

How Do You Prevent Tree Pollen Allergies?

Limiting your exposure to tree pollen

One of the best ways to alleviate your symptoms and prevent allergies from developing is to limit your pollen exposure.

It may be impractical to try and avoid pollen entirely, but you can reduce your exposure by implementing the following strategies:

• Stay indoors on high pollen days: Keep an eye on the local pollen count and try to stay inside when it’s high. During tree pollen season, counts also tend to be higher on windy days or during early morning hours, so schedule your outdoor activities around this.

• Use air conditioning: Whether you’re at home or in the car, air conditioning can help filter pollen from the air. Additionally, shutting your windows can prevent pollen from reentering your living spaces.

• Wear protective clothing: If you need to be outdoors, wearing sunglasses and masks can help protect your eyes, nose, and mouth from accidental contact with pollen.

• Dry laundry indoors: Pollen can stick to clothing and sheets when they are hung outside, so it's better to use an indoor dryer or drying rack.

Home and lifestyle modifications

In addition to trying to limit your exposure to pollen, you can also make certain home and lifestyle modifications to prevent allergy symptoms. These may include:

• Maintaining clean indoor air: Use HEPA filters — a type of air filter that can remove over 90% of common allergens from your space — in your home's heating and cooling systems and in vacuum cleaners. Just be sure to regularly replace these filters.

• Keeping your house clean: Dust and vacuum your home frequently to remove pollen and other allergens. Using a damp cloth can prevent dispersing the pollen while dusting.

• Showering before bed: Pollen can accumulate on your skin and hair throughout the day. Showering before going to bed helps to remove these allergens and prevent them from spreading to your bedding.

• Keeping indoor plants to a minimum: Some indoor plants — like ivy, ferns, or orchids — can worsen allergy symptoms, especially if they are flowering. Choose hypoallergenic plants or reduce the number of plants in your living spaces.

• Practicing regular pet care: If you have pets that go outdoors, they can bring pollen into your home. Regularly bathing and grooming your pets can help reduce this risk.

• Changing your clothes after being outdoors: To reduce the likelihood of bringing pollen into your home, consider changing and washing your clothes after spending time outdoors.

• Control humidity indoors: High humidity can aggravate allergy symptoms. Using a dehumidifier to maintain indoor humidity below 50% can help.

When Should You See a Doctor About Tree Pollen Allergies?

You should see a doctor about tree pollen allergies if you experience persistent or severe symptoms that interfere with your daily life or if OTC medications are not providing enough relief.

You should seek emergency medical care if you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis or an asthma attack, including:

• Difficulty breathing

• Tightness in the chest

• Wheezing

• Dizziness

• Hives or rash

Where Can You Learn More About Treating and Managing Tree Pollen Allergies?

If you’re concerned about your symptoms or want to know more about treating tree pollen allergies, LifeMD is here to help.

We can connect you to a team of medical professionals who can assist you with information and provide guidance on managing your allergies while avoiding further complications.

Make an appointment today to get started.

Harmony Vance, APRN

Harmony is a family nurse practitioner and has been caring for patients for over 20 years through various roles in the medical field. She graduated in 2018 with a Master's Degree and a focus on family care.

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