The best allergy medicine for tree pollen depends on how long your symptoms last or how severe your allergy is.

However, allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots and allergy drops) is currently the only treatment option for people seeking long-term relief rather than simply masking allergy symptoms. 

We spoke with Quello’s medical team to rank the best allergy medicines for tree pollen, including each medicine's pros and cons.

Tree Pollen Season

Tree pollen season typically coincides with spring. It often starts in February and runs through April. Although in some places in the U.S., it may start as early as December or January. (1)

As trees release their pollen in the air, it can easily find its way into your eyes and nose. This may trigger your immune system, leading to allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, red and watery eyes, and postnasal drip.

Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are available to help relieve your allergy symptoms.

Top 6 Allergy Treatments for Tree Pollen

1. Allergen immunotherapy (allergy drops or shots)

Allergen immunotherapy, including allergy drops and shots, was ranked as the number one treatment for tree pollen allergies, especially for people with persistent allergies, as it's currently the only treatment that changes how your body responds to tree allergens.  (2)

Allergy immunotherapy can also protect against other hard-to-avoid allergens, such as molds and dust mites. (3) 

Allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy) and shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) are typically taken for about 4 years for optimal results; however, you will begin to feel relief or a reduction in symptom severity within the first year of treatment. (4)

Allergy drops are taken under the tongue, and allergy shots are injected under the skin and require weekly visits to your allergist's office.

Pros

• Targets the root cause of tree allergy
  

• Effective for persistent  and year-round allergies
  

• Long-term relief 
  

• Suitable for people who do not respond to conventional allergy medicines (5)

• May reduce reliance on allergy medicines like antihistamines

• Cost-effective long-term

• Convenient and flexible option available (allergy drop)

Cons

• Not meant for immediate relief

• Requires commitment

• Risk of anaphylaxis (rare, often more serious with allergy shots)

• Upfront costs may seem expensive.

2. Nasal corticosteroids

Nasal corticosteroids are medicines sprayed into the nose to reduce nasal allergy symptoms such as stuffiness or congestion.

Some effective nasal corticosteroid sprays that may help with tree allergy symptoms include Fluticasone (Flonase),  triamcinolone (Nasacort), and budesonide (Rhinocort)

Among conventional allergy medications, nasal corticosteroids are the most effective option.  (6) However, you have to start them a few weeks before tree allergy season begins, because the benefit of nasal steroid sprays can take a week or more to reach their peak effect.  (6)     

Pros

• Very effective for allergy symptom relief

• Non drowsy

• Works for moderate to severe tree allergy symptoms

• Reduces inflammation that causes a stuffy nose

Cons

• Does not address the root cause of tree allergies

• Not for immediate relief (can take a few weeks) to kick in.

• Needs regular use

• Risk of nose bleeds and nasal irritation

• May require medical supervision for long-term use

• Potential risk of glaucoma and cataract (rare)  (6) 

3. Nasal antihistamines

Nasal antihistamines are medicines sprayed in the nose to treat allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamines. Histamines are chemicals released when the body recognizes an allergen.

Examples of antihistamine nasal sprays that may help you with your tree allergy symptoms include azelastine (Astepro) and Olopatadine (Patanase).

Nasal antihistamine sprays can help relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, and postnasal drip.

Healthcare professionals often recommend antihistamine nasal sprays for patients with seasonal allergies, such as those caused by tree pollen.

Some studies have found that nasal antihistamine sprays may be more effective than oral antihistamine pills for managing allergy symptoms. (5)

Pros

• Fast relief

• Can be used when symptoms flare and not daily

Cons

• May cause drowsiness.

• Doesn’t address the root cause of tree pollen allergy.

• Can cause nasal irritation and dryness.

• Somewhat difficult to administer.

4. Oral antihistamines (pills)

Oral antihistamines are pills, capsules, or drops that treat allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamines. 

Oral antihistamines are also suitable for managing allergy symptoms, and are fast-acting (work within an hour).

Some antihistamines, particularly first-generation ones like Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery, such as a car. (7)

Second-generation antihistamines such as Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and Loratadine (Claritin) are less sedating and are often recommended for sneezing and itching. (5)

If you have tree allergies, you need to take oral antihistamines before exposure to tree pollen. A sweet spot is about 2 weeks before allergy season starts.

Pros

• Fast acting

• Easy to take

• Generic versions are often low-cost.

Cons

• Doesn’t address the root cause of tree pollen allergy

• Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness

• Less effective for nasal congestion

Start overcoming your allergies.

Get our free allergy test kit

5. Decongestants 

Decongestants are medicines used to reduce nasal congestion and sinus pressure. They are available as nasal sprays and oral tablets (pills).

Examples of decongestants include: Oxymetazoline (Afrin) and Xylometazoline as sprays. Oral decongestants include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)

Decongestants work more quickly than other allergy medicines, so they're one of the best options for people seeking fast relief, especially for nasal and sinus congestion.

Your doctor might recommend decongestants in combination with other allergy medications to achieve a more effective reduction in your allergy symptoms.

However, decongestants should only be used for a short time, no longer than 3  to 4 days in a row. (8) Constant use can make your decongestant sprays make your congestion worse (a phenomenon called rebound congestion). Hence, decongestants may not be suitable for people with persistent tree pollen allergies.

Pros

• Fast relief

• Works well in the short term

• Can be combined with antihistamines

Cons

• Doesn’t address the root cause of tree pollen allergy

• Cannot be used for more than a few days

• Not suitable for persistent allergies

• May raise blood pressure

• Oral decongestants are not suitable for people with heart conditions and high blood pressure.

6. Mast cell stabilizers

Mast cell stabilizers prevent allergy attacks by blocking the release of immune system chemicals that trigger allergic reactions. (9)

An example of a mast cell stabilizer used for allergy relief is cromolyn sodium (Nasalcrom), available as a nasal spray.

Mast cell stabilizers are best started early. They help prevent and relieve nasal symptoms, including a runny or itchy nose, sneezing, and stuffy nose. (9)

Mast cell stabilizers are a safe option for allergies, but are mostly prescribed when antihistamines are not working well or are not well tolerated. (3)

Pros

• Prevents nasal allergy symptoms before they start

• Safe for long-term use

• Non-drowsy

• Suitable for mild allergy symptoms

Cons

• Prevents symptoms but doesn’t address the root cause of tree allergies

• Not an option for quick relief

• Takes several days to produce the full effect.

• May not be effective for moderate to severe symptoms

Everything to Know About Tree Pollen 

• From early to late spring, many trees release large amounts of pollen that can reach your eyes and nose, triggering allergy symptoms.

• Tree pollen is a major cause of spring allergy symptoms.

• Worst tree pollens that cause allergy include Birch, Elm, Cedar, and Oak.

• Common tree pollen allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, nose, or throat; red or watery eyes; and post-nasal drip.

Start overcoming your allergies.

Get our free allergy test kit

Struggling with grass pollen allergies? Read about the best allergy medicine for grass pollen here.

Overcome Tree Pollen Allergies For Good with Quello Allergy Drops

Don’t let tree pollen allergies keep you from enjoying the outdoors this spring. Try Quello Allergy drops today.

Instead of masking symptoms day to day, Quello allergy drops target the root cause of your allergies.

At Quello, we believe everyone deserves relief from allergies, no matter the season or where they live. Our goal is to help you find lasting allergy relief so you can enjoy every season: spring, summer, fall, and winter, without constant symptoms getting in the way.

Getting started with Quello is simple:

• Get tested: Start with our free allergy testing.

• Talk to a specialist: Connect with a Quello allergy provider to review your results.

• Receive your personalized drops: Get a treatment plan tailored to your allergies.
  

Have more questions? Visit our FAQs for quick answers or schedule a free consultation with one of our allergy specialists.