There are many types of pollen that come from trees, grass, weeds, and other plants.
Trees typically pollinate in the spring, grasses in the summer, and weeds in the fall.
Allergy medications and allergy shots can help prevent the effects of a pollen allergy and make you more comfortable.
Theresa Chiechi / Verywell
Theresa Chiechi / Verywell
Symptoms
Pollen allergies are more common in older children and adults.
This is usually a lifetime problem, although the symptoms and severity can change over the years.
Symptoms of pollen allergies can last all day or can be worse at certain times of the day.
The effects will typically begin within an hour after exposure to pollen.
You may find that you better use your inhaler more often during your allergic season.
Causes
Pollen is most prevalent in the springtime when tree pollen is airborne.
Pollination usually occurs shortly after the leaves bud, but it can also occur before and during leaf development.
However, there is some variability, and not all plants pollinate at the same time.
There are a number of plants that can trigger your allergic reaction if you have a pollen allergy.
Cedar trees are prevalent in this area and pollinate in the winter months, usually between November and January.
Cedar trees are the most allergenic tree in central Texas.
Though the name suggests a fever, those allergic to the pollen will have typical allergy symptoms.
Non-Pollinating Plants
You may have a plant-induced allergic reaction that is not pollen-related.
Pine trees, for example,produce copious amounts of pollen.
Heredity
Pollen allergies have a hereditary component.
People who have pollen allergies may have family members with hay fever, food allergies, or asthma.
Keep in mind that you might be allergic to some types of pollen, and not others.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider can help in diagnosing which throw in of pollen you are allergic to.
Allergy Testing
Allergy testsincludeskin tests,also called skin prick tests or scratch tests.
During this procedure, your healthcare provider places small needles with plant and pollen extracts on your skin.
The skin test can be applied on your back or on your forearm.
After the small prick is placed on your skin, there is a 20-minute wait.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can measure specific IgE against environmental allergens.
This provides similar information to what is seen in skin prick testing.
For example, if your body makes specific IgE against birch trees, you are allergic to birch trees.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Treatment
It can be hard to avoid pollen.
But even the plants that are present in crowded cities may inducepollen allergies.
If it’s possible for you to’t avoid pollen, there are medications that can help your symptoms.
How to Avoid Pollen
There are a few ways to decrease your exposure to pollen.
Reducing your exposure can help minimize your symptoms.
Pollen Counts
Your local area may measure pollen counts and provide a daily or weekly report.
some reports also include the jot down (or types) of pollen that is prevalent as well.
This will help mediate your symptoms even before your allergy season starts.
Over-the-counter and prescriptionantihistaminescan help prevent your symptoms when taken ahead of your pollen exposure.
Some people use antihistamine eye drops if red, itchy, or watery eyes are a major problem.
Talk to your healthcare provider aboutwhich medications to takeand how often you should take them.
Do not take your antihistamines for a few days before having an allergy test.
The antihistamine prevents the allergic response, which makes your test difficult to interpret.
However, for some people, symptoms can return over time.
Predisposition to Food Allergies
Tree pollen can resemble proteins that are constituents of several pitted fruits.
A Word From Verywell
Pollen allergies are fairly common.
You may also have other allergies, such as food allergies, along with your pollen allergy.
And often, people who have a pollen allergy have asthma too.
Because of the seasonal variation in your symptoms, you might not need to take medication all year round.
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Texas MedClinic.Symptoms and Remedies for Cedar Fever.
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The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
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Epub 2018 Nov 29.
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