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Alder Tree Allergies

Trees are one of the major triggers for pollen allergy sufferers, and can cause symptoms of irritation as well as fatigue. Alder trees, native to North America, produce an airborne pollen that may trigger allergies in some people. Individuals who are allergic to alder tree pollen may also experience problems with birch, beech and oak pollen.

  1. Identification

    • According to the Pollen Library website, Alder trees are a family of trees or large shrubs that inhabit wooded areas of North America. Adler trees produce male and female flowers on the same tree as well as airborne pollen. Alder tree varieties include Arizona Alder, European Alder, Red Alder, Seaside Alder, Brookside Alder, Sitka Alder, Speckled Alder and White Alder. Alder pollen can cause severe allergy symptoms in certain people.

    Time Frame

    • Pollen season typically occurs three times a year for those allergic to tree pollen, according to the Allergy Escape website. Trees produce pollen in the spring, fall and summer. Alder trees commonly grow in the Northwestern United States and Southern Canada. In the Western United States, tree pollen season typically lasts from February to June.

    Symptoms

    • Pollen allergy can cause hay fever, according to the Allergy Escape website. Hay fever causes the nose, throat and eyes to itch and become irritated. Other symptoms include sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, post nasal drip and fatigue.

    Types

    • Though most people only react to a specific type of tree pollen, some types cause cross reactivity. People who are allergic to one type of pollen may be triggered by other pollens. Alder is a cross-reactive pollen; sufferers may also react to beech, birch and oak pollen, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) website.

    Prevention/ Treatment

    • Over-the-counter and prescription allergy medicines are the best choice for those who cannot avoid alder pollen. Airborne pollen is difficult to contain and it may travel over long distances on the air currents. Other prevention techniques include drying clothes indoor rather than outside, keeping windows closed, and cooling the house with air conditioning. The NIEHS also states that staying indoors before 10 a.m. may also prevent symptoms.

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