How To Manage Alder Allergy
Alder tree pollen is a common cause of seasonal allergies across the US, with symptoms appearing from late winter through spring. Learn about symptoms, peak pollen seasons, and treatment options, including how Quello Allergy Drops provide long-term relief.
Key Takeaways
Alder tree pollen is a leading source of tree pollen allergies, affecting nearly all US states. (1) It causes allergies in mid to late spring through early summer, depending on location (generally, more southern states tend to have earlier allergy seasons). (2)
Avoidance, medication, and immunotherapy are the three methods for managing and preventing Alder tree allergies.
This article will explain what Alder tree allergies are, common symptoms, and available treatment options.
Find out how Quello Allergy Drops can help you enjoy an allergy-free Alder tree pollen season.
What is an Alder Tree Allergy?
An Alder tree allergy is an immune system reaction to Alder pollen. Essentially, the immune system marks Alder pollen as a “foreign substance” that is harmful. In response, the body creates antibodies to fight the foreign substance, leading to allergic symptoms.
A single Alder tree can produce up to seven billion pollen grains in one season, contributing to its highly allergic nature. (3)
The alder tree loses its leaves during the winter, then blooms in the spring. When someone allergic to tree pollen comes into contact with Alder tree pollen, it may trigger an allergic reaction, depending on each person and season.
When is Alder Tree Pollen Season
Alder pollen season is highest from January to April, but can last through June depending on where you live.
Alder trees are located in every state in the U.S. except for South Dakota and Nebraska. (2)
In southern states, Alder season starts from January through June as blooming seasons tend to be earlier in the year. However northern states have a later season, from March to June. (2)
Causes and Symptoms of Alder Tree Allergy
Alder tree allergy is caused by exposure to Alder pollen, which the immune system identifies as a harmful foreign substance.
When you come into contact with Alder pollen, your sensitized immune system recognizes it as a foreign substance and releases chemicals like histamine. These chemicals trigger common allergy symptoms. (1)
Here are common symptoms of Alder tree allergies: (1, 2)
- Itchy eyes, nose, ears and mouth
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Swelling around the eyes
- Red and watery eyes
- Post-nasal drip
- Cough or sore throat
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Alder Tree Allergy Treatment Options
There are 3 treatment options available to treat Alder tree allergies:
1.Avoidance or limited exposure to Alder tree pollen
Reducing exposure to Alder tree pollen can significantly reduce symptoms. Here are some ways you can reduce your exposure to Alder:
- Consider staying indoors when pollen levels are high or on windy days.
- Try closing windows and using air conditioning or fans to stay cool.
- Immediately remove and wash your clothes after spending time outdoors.
- Shower and wash your hair before getting into bed if you’ve spent time outside.
- Frequently bathe pets as their fur can collect and carry Alder grass pollen.
- Limit being outdoors in the morning or early afternoon when pollen levels tend to be higher.
2. Allergy Medications
Alder allergy symptoms can be managed with the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as:
- Antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin)
- Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids like fluticasone (Flonase)
- Medications that combine antihistamines and decongestants, like loratadine/pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D) and fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D)
- Leukotriene inhibitors like montelukast (Singulair) – prescription only
- Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or phenylephrine (Sudafed-PE)
3. Treating the Root Cause of Allergies with Immunotherapy
Allergen immunotherapy administered through shots or drops is a treatment option for those who do not achieve desired symptom relief from medications or avoidance. (4,5)
In addition, if you are seeking a long-term solution for relief from Alder tree allergies, rather than just symptom management, then allergy immunotherapy might be a good option for you.
Immunotherapy is a safe and effective treatment option, and research has shown that both drops and shots can provide patients with lasting relief from Alder tree allergies. (5)
How do immunotherapies help patients with Alder tree allergies?
Immunotherapy works by retraining your immune system to better tolerate exposure to Alder tree allergens.
If you opt for immunotherapy, you will be gradually given increasing doses of Alder tree pollen. This repeated exposure desensitizes your immune system to Alder pollen, reducing symptoms when you come into contact with it. (4)
Allergy drops and shots are both safe and effective in managing Alder allergies, and are often more cost-effective than allergy medicine. Allergy drops also provide the ease and flexibility of treatment at home. (4,5)
Ready to start addressing Alder tree allergies at the source?
Quello allergy drops use high-quality, FDA-approved Alder tree allergen extracts to help reduce symptoms over time. Begin with a free allergy test to find out your major allergy triggers.
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Foods to Avoid If You Have an Alder Tree Allergy
An allergy to Alder trees can cause symptoms such as swelling and itching in or around the mouth after eating certain foods. This reaction is known as Pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS). (6)
In our bodies, cross-reactivity can happen between proteins. Our body recognizes proteins in one substance, like pollen, as similar to those found in another substance, like certain foods. This misrecognition means that someone with Alder tree allergies may react to foods with similar proteins. (6)
Below is a list of foods to avoid if you experience seasonal Alder tree allergies: (6)
- Almond
- Peach
- Parsley
- Cherry
- Celery
- Hazelnut
- Apple
- Walnuts
- Strawberries
PFAS are most common and/or more harmful when consumed in raw forms of these foods. Usually, cooking these foods can neutralize the proteins that cause symptoms, allowing most people with allergies to eat them cooked. (6)
Let Quello help you say Goodbye to Alder Tree Allergies
Have a tree allergy free season this summer and fall by starting allergen immunotherapy with Quello Allergy Drops today.
Quello Allergy Drops are simple, painless, and convenient, with no needles and no frequent trips to the doctor’s office. Start with a free allergy test and consultation with our allergists to find out whether Alder tree pollen is the main cause of your seasonal allergy symptoms.
We also offer a free allergy discovery visit with a specialty-trained Quello provider for anyone who wants to learn more about allergies.
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