Although maple trees can be captivatingly beautiful, they are known to contain some of the most potent allergens in nature. They are found almost all around the world, and in some parts, they are considered an invasive tree species. So can you be allergic to maple trees, and what are some signs to watch out for?
Maple trees produce a lot of pollen, causing some people to have an allergic reaction to the pollen. Some common signs of a maple tree allergy include a scratchy or sore throat, itchy or watery eyes, sinus pressure, coughing or sneezing, and a runny nose. People with asthma may have worse reactions.
Diagnosing an allergy to maple trees can be tricky, yet understanding its potential cause, its symptoms, and, most importantly, how to combat allergies is critical in solving this irritating problem.
With that knowledge comes immense relief, so let’s find out what to look for and how to best deal with a maple tree allergy.
Can You Be Allergic To Maple Trees?
Maple trees can cause many problems for people who frequently suffer from allergies every spring. Although Maple trees usually produce pollen during the early stages of the year, some species only start to produce pollen and flower during June and July, causing people to have allergic reactions throughout the year.
Most people assume that colorful trees like cherry or apple trees will more likely trigger their symptoms.
However, this is not true, as flowering trees have stickier and more prominent pollen that will be less likely to blow in the wind. This is where maple trees cause the most allergic symptoms, as their pollen can travel for many miles.
What Does It Mean When You Are Allergic To Maple Trees?
When you’re allergic to maple trees, it is referred to as having a pollen allergy. It’s also referred to as hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis.
When you have an allergy to a maple tree, it’s nothing other than having an allergy to pollen. Pollen is a fine powdery substance produced by trees, weeds, grasses, and many flower species.
When people with a pollen allergy breathe in the pollen, their immune system will do everything possible to fight off these “intruders” to help the body defend itself.
The body produces various chemicals, including histamine, to combat pollen.
This is technically an allergic reaction that could cause many symptoms depending on the individual and their level of sensitivity. These range from mild discomfort to severe reactions with varying degrees in between.
About 7.7% of adults and 7.2% of children suffer from pollen-related allergies, whether from maple trees, other types of trees, or plants.
Signs That You Are Allergic To Maple Trees
If you’re allergic to maple trees, your symptoms will be much the same as any other hay fever symptoms when you get too close to a maple tree, breathe in the pollen, or touch it.
Keep in mind that you may have one, a few, or even all of these symptoms if you are allergic to maple trees:
Discomfort In The Throat Area
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, a maple tree allergy can cause your throat to become scratchy, sensitive, or inflamed. In the worst-case scenario, your throat could swell up and cause difficulty breathing.
Discomfort Of The Eyes
A maple tree allergy could cause your eyes to become itchy or watery. In worst cases, eye-related symptoms could worsen, and you risk getting eye infections, which could temporarily impact your vision.
Sinus Pressure
A maple tree allergy could cause you to experience sinus pressure, causing facial pain. Nose congestion could also cause facial pain. In the case of a severe maple tree allergic reaction, you may notice blue and swollen skin under your eyes.
Runny Or Bleeding Nose
In some less severe allergic reactions to maple trees, you may only experience a runny nose. However, severe allergic reactions to the pollen could cause the membranes in your nose to dry out.
This leaves the blood vessels in your nose vulnerable to bursting, and they could burst with a sneeze, cough, or heavy breathing.
Sneezing
Apart from the occasional sneeze, you may notice yourself sneezing multiple times. This is especially true when you come too close to a maple tree or have direct contact.
Coughing
Coughing is another common symptom of a maple tree allergy. In the worst-case scenario, coughing could go hand-in-hand with having difficulty breathing.
Inability To Consume Certain Food
If you are allergic to maple trees and other trees, your symptoms may be triggered when ingesting certain food items.
This can include any fruit or vegetable and cause oral allergy syndrome. In addition, the protein structures present in these foods can be closely related to tree pollen, and they could cause you to have difficulty breathing or severe itching in your mouth and throat.
For this reason, if you know you struggle with allergies, it would be best to steer clear of certain foods to prevent your symptoms from worsening.
Impacts On Your Sense Of Smell And Taste
When you look at symptoms such as sinus pressure and congestion, it becomes clear that experiencing these symptoms, no matter how mild and severe, impacts your sense of smell and taste.
You may notice you cannot accurately smell certain food or fragrances or how certain foods taste. Apart from smelling and tasting differently, your taste and smell could temporarily disappear or worsen.
Trouble Breathing
In severe cases, a maple tree allergy can cause considerable trouble breathing. This is especially true when your throat swells up and restricts your airways. You could experience this symptom in conjunction with coughing or heavy wheezing.
Fatigue
Lastly, an allergic reaction to maple trees could cause you to feel sleepy and tired. This can be attributed to your body’s increased effort in fighting the allergens, and it would be best to rest for a few days.
Increased Reactions Of Asthma
The same things that could cause your allergic reactions may also cause your asthma symptoms to worsen. This is known as allergy-induced asthma or allergic asthma. You are at risk if you know you have a family history of asthma or allergies.
Although allergy-induced asthma is most common, your asthma may also worsen during the pollen season when you have infections, exercise, or exposure to cold air and severe stress.
Taking The Necessary Steps To Avoid Maple Tree Allergies
If you know that you are allergic to maple trees, there are specific steps you can take to reduce your symptoms. The key is to avoid maple tree pollen as much as possible and limit your time around them.
Keep windows closed when they are in bloom, wear a mask outdoors, and shower after coming into contact with any trees. You should also take an antihistamine and use a nasal spray to help reduce your symptoms.
Lastly, keep your home clean and dust-free as much as possible by using a vacuum cleaner regularly. This will help prevent pollen from entering your home, reducing the severity of your allergies.
Final Word
It is unlikely to go away when you develop an allergy to maple trees and other pollen-related allergies. However, by assessing your symptoms, you’ll be one step ahead and know how to work towards relieving your symptoms.
In addition, taking the necessary steps can help reduce your symptoms and protect yourself from potentially dangerous allergic reactions.
Speaking to a doctor or an allergy specialist is essential to receive further advice and assistance. They will be able to offer more specialized advice on how to manage your maple tree allergies effectively.
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Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/pollen#treatment
https://www.zyrtec.com/allergy-guide/understanding-allergies/types/tree-pollen-guide