Allergy season is upon us as trees, in their mission to propagate, have become prolific pollen factories.
As a white oak tree unfurls its leaves, it releases pollen.The quintessential sound of spring: Ah-choo!
Allergy season is upon us as trees, in their mission to propagate, have become prolific pollen factories, pushing out a steady stream of tiny granules that cause noses to run and eyes to water.
“We are seeing tree pollen explode right now,” said Dr. Jonathan L. Bayuk, a Springfield allergist.
“The pollen counts are rising, and I am seeing about five to seven more acutely allergic ill patients every day,” he said. “This is more than usual for this time of spring.”
Jonathan BayukAs many as 50 million Americans suffer allergies. In the early spring, tree pollen is the main source of the problem. By mid-May, grass pollen becomes the dominant instigator. And in the fall, ragweed becomes the principal culprit.
Right now, maple, oak and birch trees are some of the prime sources for the pollen in the air. Flowers, which are pollinated by insects, tend to produce sticky pollen that does not generally get airborne to provoke human allergies.
The pollen is not what directly causes allergy symptoms. Instead, it causes the body’s immune system react to it as an invader. The body counterattacks by attempting to expel the particles through sneezes and a running nose.
In the Pioneer Valley, the tree pollen counts have been rated high most locally and through much of southern New England this week and will likely be for the next week. Rain can wash pollen out of the air, but dry windy days put it right back in.
Dr. Barry D. Elson, an allergist in Northampton, said the best treatment is “allergy neutralization therapy,” such as a weekly shot, specifically formulated based on blood or skin tests that identify the source of the allergy.
However, there are also more traditional treatments, such as antihistamines, nose sprays and eye drops, he said.
Nasal steroid sprays, which reduce inflamation in the nose, are also widely prescribed by doctors.
Elson said, “Natural remedies we use include hesperidin (found in citrus fruits), quercitin (found in fruits, vegetable leaves and grain), stinging nettle capsules, nasal emollients with volatile oils like eucalyptus, and similisan eye drops.”