Plane tree pollen allergy
London plane tree pollen allergy.
About plane tree pollen allergy
The London plane is one of the most widely planted street trees in London and other UK cities, valued for tolerating urban conditions. It is a source of tree pollen in spring, typically releasing pollen from around late March into May, and because the trees are so densely planted along streets and in parks, exposure can be concentrated in built-up areas. When a sensitised person inhales plane pollen, the immune system produces IgE antibodies against its proteins, triggering histamine release and hay-fever symptoms. Plane pollen is a recognised urban allergen, particularly notable in cities with many of these trees.
The usual presentation is seasonal allergic rhinitis, with sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy, watering eyes during the plane season. As with other tree pollens, it can worsen asthma, causing cough and wheeze, and may aggravate eczema in those prone to it. Some people also notice throat and airway irritation from the fine hairs the trees shed, which is a separate irritant effect. Symptoms are generally not life-threatening, but in cities they can be a persistent nuisance during spring and disturb sleep and concentration.
Seasonal measures such as checking pollen forecasts, keeping windows shut at peak times, wearing wraparound sunglasses and washing off pollen all help. Diagnosis uses skin-prick or specific-IgE tests to confirm the specific pollen involved. Treatment follows the usual ladder of antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays, with immunotherapy considered for selected, severe cases. See a GP if symptoms are hard to control or disrupt daily life.
Common triggers
- Plane tree 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.