Spring Allergies? Tree Pollen Is a Likely Culprit

Spring is the season of renewal, but for many, it also marks the beginning of tree pollen allergies. The symptoms — like sneezing, congestion and itchy eyes — can significantly impact daily life. The good news? Allergy relief is achievable. With proper testing and treatment, you can dramatically reduce your symptoms and, in many cases, achieve long-term relief.

Clues You’re Allergic to Tree Pollen

Tree pollen allergies are often seasonal, occurring in the spring when trees like oak, birch, cedar, maple and ash release pollen into the air. If you experience recurring allergy symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, itchy or watery eyes and fatigue during this time of year, you may be suffering from tree allergies.

However, timing alone isn’t always enough to confirm tree pollen allergies. “Precision testing is the first step to diagnosing tree pollen allergies accurately, says Dr. Saira Zafar, a board-certified allergist at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy in Millburn, NJ. “Testing not only pinpoints the specific allergens but also guides the best course of treatment, whether it’s symptom management or allergen immunotherapy.”

Precision Testing vs. Misinformation

“Patients should trust evidence-based testing methods like skin prick and patch testing,” emphasizes Dr. Zafar. “These are reliable tools allergists use to identify specific allergens and create personalized treatment plans.” Unfortunately, of late, there’s a growing trend of pseudoscientific claims in the allergy space about DNA and blood testing working in the same manner. These methods lack the scientific validation necessary for accurate diagnoses.

Symptom Relief for Tree Pollen Allergies

The severity of your condition will dictate how your allergy specialist approaches symptom relief. “The first step is always to evaluate the patient’s needs,” Dr. Zafar explains. “Some patients benefit from antihistamines or nasal sprays, while others require immunotherapy for sustained relief.”

For mild cases, over-the-counter (OTC) medications often provide adequate relief. If you experience more severe symptoms or are seeking a long-term solution, additional treatments may be necessary.

Common OTC medications that help suppress symptoms include:

• Antihistamines to help reduce sneezing, itching and watery eyes.
• Corticosteroid nasal sprays to minimize nasal inflammation.
• Decongestants to alleviate nasal blockage temporarily.
• Eye drops to relieve itchy or watery eyes.

OTC medications only provide temporary relief and require consistent use throughout the allergy season to be effective. For patients seeking a more comprehensive solution, allergen immunotherapy is an excellent option.

How Allergen Immunotherapy Works

Immunotherapy involves introducing small, controlled amounts of allergens into the body over time. This process helps the immune system build tolerance, reducing the severity of allergic reactions. “Allergen immunotherapy is particularly effective for patients who want to regain control of their symptoms without relying solely on medications,” notes Dr. Zafar. “It also benefits patients with multiple allergies, as it can target more than one allergen at a time.”

There are two methods of administering immunotherapy. Depending on your preferences and lifestyle, you can choose between:

• Allergy shots, known as SCIT
• Sublingual drops, referred to as SLIT

Both allergy shots and drops work by desensitizing the immune system to allergens over time. For some, weekly or biweekly allergy shots are a good fit. Others like the needle-free method of at-home sublingual drops, a convenient alternative with comparable results.

Key benefits of allergen immunotherapy include:

• Long-Term Relief: Unlike medications, which only work while in use, immunotherapy reprograms the immune system for lasting results.
• Fewer Medications Needed: Patients often reduce or eliminate their reliance on daily allergy medications.
• Addressing the Root Cause: Immunotherapy targets the immune system’s overreaction, providing a permanent reduction in symptoms.

Treatments typically last three to five years, but the benefits often extend far beyond the treatment period. “Immunotherapy isn’t just about managing symptoms; it’s about transforming the way your immune system responds to allergens” Dr. Zafar explains. “This makes it a highly effective, long-term solution for tree pollen allergies.”

Saira Zafar, MD is a double board-certified and fellowship-trained allergist and immunologist. She believes the key to delivering effective care is shared decision making and an open dialogue with her patients. She sees both adult and pediatric patients. Her clinical interests include food allergies, asthma and allergic skin conditions.