Tree allergies don’t have to ruin your fun; learning about your allergic triggers can help you fight back.
If you suffer from tree pollen allergies, you’re already familiar with the long list of potential symptoms, from a runny nose to itchy and red eyes. Reducing your allergy-induced suffering begins with understanding which trees cause you the most symptoms. After learning more about your specific allergic reactions, you can make some changes in your life to lessen your symptoms.
The Many Trees that Make You Sneeze
Trees with powdery pollen tend to cause the most issues for allergy sufferers. This list includes birch, ash, elm, hickory, willow, pecan, cedar, cottonwood and many more. Going near any of these trees can trigger allergic reactions, even if you only breathe in a small amount of pollen. The weather can affect the impact of pollen; if you live in a warm and windy climate, you’ll probably have more days of allergy symptoms than someone who lives in a cold and wet climate.
How to Learn More about Your Specific Allergies
Allergy testing can help you determine which allergens trigger your worst symptoms. During the allergy test, your skin will be exposed to a number of different allergens, sometimes with a slight prick of a needle. Most tests only last an hour, and you can often get the results before you leave the allergist’s office. Once you’ve determined which trees you are allergic to, you can make a plan to avoid contact with those trees.
Tips for Reducing Your Pollen Allergy Symptoms
Fortunately, there are methods you can use to reduce the effects of pollen on your body. For example, you can skip taking long walks in tree-heavy areas on windy days. When the wind is blowing hard, pollen travels easily and is difficult to avoid. If your backyard is home to trees that you are allergic to, replacing them with different trees can help your allergies. Washing your clothes and sheets more frequently can help reduce the allergens in your house that you would otherwise breathe in constantly.
However, sometimes changes to your routine or backyard aren’t enough to help you avoid the worst symptoms of your allergies. Allergy medications can often lessen symptoms. Allergy drop treatments, for example, are an in-home treatment you can use under the guidance of an allergist. These drops are placed under your tongue and work to help you build an immunity to allergens.
If you’re suffering from allergies due to tree pollen, relief may be possible after determining the trees that most affect you. Asthma & Allergy Physicians of Rhode Island can help you learn more about your allergies and help treat you with allergy drops. Contact us today to get help running away from your runny nose!
