Skin Allergy Testing
This test is less invasive than blood tests and provide a good alternative for patients who have an aversion to needles.
learn more60 million people per year in the United States suffer from pollen allergies.
*According to the CDC.
Condition content was medically reviewed by an AllerVie Health physician in Oct. 2022.
What Is a Pollen Allergy?
An allergy to pollen can cause your nose to run or your sinuses to be stopped up. The intensity of the symptoms will vary depending on how sensitive you are to particular pollens.
This allergy is often referred to as hay fever or seasonal allergies. The most common allergy-causing pollens are birch trees, oak trees, grass, and ragweed plants.
Symptoms of pollen allergy can range from very mild and slightly inconvenient to severe and debilitating.
Severe Allergy Symptoms
Allergy Symptoms
Asthma Symptoms
Pollen Allergy Rash
WHAT IS ORAL ALLERGY SYNDROME?
Unlike pollen allergies, oral allergy syndrome (OAS) can occur at any time of year, given the fact that many fruits and vegetables are sold out of season in the modern world.
While there is currently no definitive test for identifying the presence of OAS, patients with symptoms related to the disorder often have a positive diagnosis of a pollen allergy and have experienced regular symptoms when consuming certain fruits and vegetables.
Also known as pollen fruit syndrome or pollen fruit allergy syndrome, oral allergy syndrome is a cross-reactivity that occurs in patients with existing allergic rhinitis when they consume certain fruits and vegetables.
Since the proteins found in these fruits and vegetables are very like the ones found in certain pollens, patients with pollen-triggered rhinitis have a contact allergic reaction when eating these foods. As an example, as many as three out of four adults with an allergy to birch tree pollen will have a contact allergic reaction when consuming apples or celery.
There are three main types of pollen allergy: tree pollen allergy, grass pollen allergy, and weed pollen allergy. These vary in type and severity depending on geography. The season can also vary depending on where you live.
Tree Pollen
Grass Pollen
Weed Pollen
How severe your pollen allergy is most likely determined by where you live and your exposure to the pollen.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) your location can have an impact on your seasonal allergies. AAFA’s Allergy Capitals™ report looks at the top 100 most challenging cities in America to live with seasonal pollen allergies.
Pollen count is a number unique to your city or region. In fact, many local news sources and weather reports include a pollen count on their website. It is counted under a microscope by professionals in your region of the country. Depending on what they are counting and what you are allergic to, a high pollen count may or may not be relevant to you. You can use this information as a guideline by measuring your allergy symptoms to their reporting.
If you are suffering from the symptoms stated above, you know how frustrating it can be to feel like you can’t live your life as usual. Our specialists will work with you to get an accurate diagnosis and unique treatment targeted to your specific allergens. We diagnose your specific pollen allergies using the following tests:
Skin Allergy Testing
This test is less invasive than blood tests and provide a good alternative for patients who have an aversion to needles.
learn moreIntradermal Allergy Testing
This test is typically done after a scratch test and involves injecting a small amount of an allergen under the skin.
learn moreBlood Testing for Allergies
Blood tests can tell if someone has allergies by finding antibodies in the blood that react to allergens.
learn moreThere are many advanced treatments for pollen allergies that are not offered over the counter. To find out what options are available to you, we recommend seeing one of our specialists. You can request a referral to a board-certified allergist who specializes in allergy testing and treatment at AllerVie or you may contact us directly.
During the initial appointment, we will talk about your symptoms, how long you’ve been experiencing them, and discuss options for testing to help determine triggers and to cater treatment specifically for you.
Common treatments for a pollen allergy include lifestyle changes, several over-the-counter allergy medications, or even allergy shots:
Lifestyle Changes for Pollen Allergy
Medicine for Pollen Allergy
Allergy Shots for Pollen Allergy
Bee Pollen for Pollen Allergies
Pollen is virtually invisible to the naked eye so you have to use your imagination when trying to eradicate it from your home and environment. Things you can do to eliminate or limit pollen in your home and in your nose include:
How long do pollen allergies usually last?
How can I stop being allergic to pollen?
Why am I suddenly allergic to pollen?