Birch pollen allergy
Birch pollen allergy, often linked to oral allergy syndrome.
About birch pollen allergy
Birch pollen is one of the most important tree pollens in the UK and northern Europe. Birch trees release large quantities of pollen in spring, typically from late March into May, with the exact timing shifting each year with the weather. When a sensitised person breathes in the pollen, their immune system produces IgE antibodies against birch proteins, driving the release of histamine and the familiar symptoms of hay fever. Tree-pollen allergy is common, and birch is a frequent culprit in those whose hay fever begins earlier in the year than the classic grass-pollen season.
Typical symptoms are sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy, streaming eyes during the birch season, and pollen exposure can worsen asthma and eczema in people prone to them. Birch is especially well known for pollen-food (oral allergy) syndrome: because its main protein resembles proteins in certain raw fruits, nuts and vegetables such as apple, cherry, peach, hazelnut and carrot, some people get an itchy or tingling mouth and lips when eating these raw. This is usually mild and settles quickly, though anyone with more marked reactions should seek advice.
During the season it helps to monitor pollen forecasts, keep windows shut at peak times, wash off pollen and avoid drying laundry outdoors. Diagnosis uses skin-prick or specific-IgE tests. Treatment follows the usual ladder of antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays, with immunotherapy an option for selected, severe cases. See a GP if symptoms are hard to control or affect sleep, school or work.
Common triggers
- Birch pollen and products containing it
Symptoms
- Sneezing and a runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, nose or ears
- Coughing or wheezing
- Worsening of asthma
Avoidance & management
- Reduce exposure to the trigger where possible
- Keep windows closed during high-exposure periods
- Use air filtration and wash bedding regularly
- Shower and change clothes after exposure
- Use prescribed antihistamines, nasal sprays or preventers
Sources & references
Allergy safety: what everyone should know
Mild-to-moderate reaction signs
- Itching, hives or a raised rash
- Swelling of lips, face or eyes
- Tingling mouth, sneezing, runny nose
- Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting
Anaphylaxis — call 999 (UK) or 112 (EU) immediately
- Difficult or noisy breathing, wheeze, persistent cough
- Swelling of the tongue or tightness in the throat
- Dizziness, collapse, pale and floppy (young children)
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen) at once if prescribed, then call an ambulance even if symptoms improve
Allergy or intolerance? A true allergy involves the immune system and can escalate quickly; an intolerance (e.g. lactose intolerance) is unpleasant but not life-threatening. The symptoms overlap, so self-diagnosis is unreliable.
Getting tested: home-testing kits based on IgG are not diagnostically valid. If you suspect an allergy, ask a GP for referral to an allergy clinic for skin-prick or specific-IgE testing and a supervised food challenge where appropriate.