Spring brings joy and happiness, but for few of us it’s a seasons that return sneezing, itching, wheezing and coughing. According to National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 16.9 million Americans had allergies in 2007.
Oak pollen allergy is triggered due to reaction between immune system and pollen from oak tree. With spring season new leaves and flowers appear on oak tree, blowing winds carry pollen from miles to react hypersensitive people.
Oak pollen allergy symptoms are identical to other pollen allergies. It’s commonly results in mild symptoms. However, in rare cases severe conditions may occur.
Tree pollen must generate lots of pollen, so that wind blows them from one tree to other. Few shrubs that make less pollen expend energy in producing enticing flowers to attract insects to move allergy causing pollen.
Below are listed common symptoms of oak pollen allergy.
Hay fever or Allergic Rhinitis
Signs of hay fever include sneezing, swollen, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and itchy throat. Some people may also develop dark circles around eyes.
After diagnosis allergist will prescribe necessary medication. One of the best ways to avoid this allergy is to stay indoors when oak pollen is high and use HEPA air lifter with windows closed. Antihistamines and eye drops can relieve you from allergic symptoms.
Asthma
Swelling of airways and bronchial tubes results in breathing difficulty, chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, rapid heart rate and sleepless nights.
Serious asthma can lead to life-threatening conditions. Immediate medical attention is needed. Upon discussing with allergist you must carry necessary steps in emergency situation.
Sinus Problem
Headache, fatigue and pain in sinus or decrease of ability to taste or smell can occur. In severe symptoms, people may experience temporary partial hearing loss.
Apart from winds, oak pollen allergy can be caused due to certain fruits and vegetables that carry pollen. This doesn’t mean that you’re allergic to the specific fruit, experts found that microwaving or cooking the fruit is safe, because this process will damage allergy causing proteins.
If your yard contains oak tree, then you may get exposed to pollen 10 times more.
How to Prevent Oak Pollen Allergy Symptoms?
- Using saltwater clean your nose to wipe pollen and other irritants.
- Follow the prescribed nasal spray like Flonase and Antihistamine sprays aid to kill histamines.
- Close your windows and doors with HEPA air filter to avoid pollen.
- Decongestants spray will relieve from runny nose.
- Immunotherapy is the process to desensitized immune system to allergens.
Oak pollen allergy symptoms must be diagnosed by allergist before treating.