Oak Allergy: What You Should Know About Pollen

Many people suffer from allergies, especially in spring, because this is when pollen begins. The oak can also cause problems. Read more about the pollen flight of the oak here.

The oak tree as the cause of a pollen allergy

The oak belongs to the so-called beech family. These are one of the most common tree species in Europe, but are rarely responsible for allergies.

• Since the flowering times vary every year depending on the warmth and length of winter, the pollen count also occurs at different times.
• The area in which you are located is also decisive for the strength and the period of the pollen count.
• The blooming period of the oak as an early bloomer tends to be between March and July. It is particularly strong in April and May.
• The oak is often affected by the so-called cross allergy. This means that people who suffer from an allergy to birch, alder or similar are often affected by oak pollen.
• If you are allergic to oak, your body mistakenly recognizes pollen as a pathogen. This causes your immune system to overreact.

You can do that with allergic symptoms

If you have an allergy to oak pollen, there are several ways to provide relief.

• The symptoms of an oak allergy are severe runny nose and frequent sneezing and a general irritation of the respiratory tract. This can manifest itself, for example, in dry coughing fits. In addition, your eyes may burn or water. There may even be reddening of the skin.
• If these symptoms apply to you, you should first see a doctor to do an allergy test.
• If there is an allergy, there are various treatment methods. Antihistamines are often prescribed to prevent the body from over-reacting to pollen.
• Since these drugs, which are also known as antiallergics, often lead to severe fatigue, many patients decide to simply endure the annoying runny nose.
• However, if your allergy is particularly severe, medication is recommended. This can prevent an allergic asthma from developing.
• Another possibility is hyposensitization. The allergic agent is injected into the body in small doses over several years. Over time, this reduces the allergic reaction. However, treatment is often associated with monthly visits to the doctor.
• Measures are also helpful to prevent you from being exposed to the oak tree too much. For example, nasal filters, breathing masks and pollen screens can prevent the allergic reaction.

In another article you will find a current pollen map for Germany. This way you can find out where a load is particularly bad.