Tree Allergy Symptoms
Having allergies means that you have an autoimmune disease. This is characterized by your body reacting in a hypersensitive way to substances that most others would consider harmless. Tree pollen is a popular substance that people are allergic to. Its symptoms are not only annoying, but they also can affect day-to-day activities. A tree pollen allergy is seasonal, so knowing when symptoms will be at their peak can be helpful in treating and avoiding reactions.
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Tree Pollens
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Although there are many of types of trees, only a handful are among the top allergy offenders. Oak, ash, elm, hickory, pecan, elder and cedar are known to affect allergy sufferers the most. Seasonal allergies can show up at different times in the year. In most parts of the country, tree pollen season lasts from March until May, but in the west, due to warmer climates, tree pollen season starts as early as February and can last until June.
Susceptibility
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Not everyone is prone to a tree pollen allergy. If your family has a history of allergies and/or asthma, there is a chance that you might be susceptible. If you are unsure of your family history, it's a good idea to visit an allergist to get tested. A skin test is an efficient way of finding out what allergies you may have, as well as their severity.
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Common Symptoms
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A tree pollen allergy can be very uncomfortable. Common symptoms are known as allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes and coughing are typical signs of a tree pollen allergy. Dark circles under the eyes, also known as allergic shiners, also can occur due to sinus inflammation and increased blood flow in the area.
Latent Symptoms
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Common allergy symptoms such as sinus and nasal congestion are known to cause sleeping problems. This lack of sleep often can lead to other symptoms that can affect daily activities. Fatigue, mood swings, depression and lack of concentration can be related to allergic reactions, and can have a big impact on work, school and exercise.
Treatment
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Unfortunately, there is no cure for allergies. There are, however, ways to keep flare ups at bay. Prevention is a very effective form of treatment. When pollen season is here, check pollen counts online, and try to plan your day accordingly. Stay indoors when counts are high and use a Hepa vacuum and air purifier to keep pollens from entering your home. There also are many good over-the-counter and prescription medications, including inhalers, nasal sprays, eye drops, pills and allergen blockers available. Speak with your doctor to find out what's best for you.
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