Trees Are Bustin' Out All Over

Ah…those little shoots of yellow- green on the bare tree limbs mean winter is over and warmer weather is ahead.  They are salutes to spring and, if you’re allergic to trees, a harbinger of trouble ahead.

The main culprits causing spring hay fever, sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, and hives are tree pollens. They account for ten percent of the allergies in the United States. You may think you have the flu in February or March but tree pollen could be the cause. Many trees begin pollinating then even though you can’t see the pollen. Itchy, watery eyes frequently occur with tree pollen allergy.

The tree pollinating season in eastern Pennsylvania starts in late March or early April and lasts until late May.  Different trees have periods of pollination lasting approximately one week to ten days.  If you’re allergic to tree pollen you’re probably allergic to more than one kind of tree, so your “season” can be quite long.

Several types of trees in the Northeast produce allergy-causing pollen, particularly birch, maple/box elder, oak, juniper/cedar and pine trees.

Tree pollen, like others, can travel for miles so just replanting your yard won’t solve the problem, but attention can start there. If you have any of the above trees on your property you might want to remove them and substitute non-allergenic trees which generally possess flowers that are showy to attract bird and insect pollenators.  These include, but are not limited to, white firs, flowering dogwoods, ginkgos, mimosas, and saucer magnolias.

Practicing avoidance techniques is the number one treatment. Keep your windows shut and use air conditioners. Change pillow cases every few days.  Dry your sheets in your dryer, not outside.

Help is also available from your allergist at Allergy & Asthma Center. Options include a series of allergy shots, non-drowsy causing antihistamines, and others.

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