Tree pollen allergy
Hay fever from tree pollen, typically in early spring.
About tree pollen allergy
Tree pollen is one of the main causes of hay fever and, in the UK, generally the earliest, with the season running from late winter through spring, roughly February to May depending on the species and the weather. Different trees pollinate at different times, including hazel and alder early on, then birch, oak, plane and others through spring. When a sensitised person inhales the pollen, the immune system produces IgE antibodies against tree proteins, triggering histamine release and allergic symptoms. Tree-pollen allergy is common and often affects people whose hay fever begins earlier in the year than the classic summer grass season.
The usual presentation is seasonal allergic rhinitis, with sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy, red, watering eyes during the spring tree season. As with other pollens, exposure can worsen asthma, bringing cough, wheeze and chest tightness, and can aggravate eczema in those prone to it. Some tree pollens, notably birch, are linked with pollen-food (oral allergy) syndrome, where certain raw fruits, nuts and vegetables cause an itchy mouth in sensitised people. Symptoms are rarely life-threatening but can disturb sleep, school and work.
Seasonal measures such as checking pollen forecasts, keeping windows shut at peak times, wearing wraparound sunglasses, washing off pollen and avoiding drying laundry outdoors all help. Diagnosis uses skin-prick or specific-IgE tests to identify the specific trees involved. Treatment follows the usual ladder of antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays, with allergen immunotherapy an option for selected, severe cases. See a GP if symptoms are hard to control or disrupt daily life.
Common triggers
- 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.