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As spring approaches, hazel trees start to bloom and spread their yellow pollen, which can be troublesome for allergy sufferers and those experiencing symptoms of pollen allergies.
How to determine if you're allergic to hazel pollenIf you suspect you're sensitive to hazel pollen, you can detect it through symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes from February to April.
To confirm the allergy, you can undergo a blood test to measure IgE antibodies against hazel pollen.
If the results show high levels, it may be wise to consult a doctor for appropriate treatment, such as allergy medication or allergy shots.
The pollen season extends from early spring to late summer, and our pollen calendar can help you keep track of when various types of pollen are active throughout the year.
The pollen season starts during early spring and continues until late summer. In our pollen calendar, we list nine common types of pollen and when they are prevalent throughout the year.
What happens in the body during hazel pollen allergy?
Hazel pollen allergy occurs when the body's immune system incorrectly identifies the proteins in hazel pollen as harmful. This leads to allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, and red eyes. For some, the reactions can be more severe, with symptoms like difficulty breathing and asthma.
How can I find out if I'm allergic to hazel pollen?
During early spring from February to April, hazel pollen is in bloom. Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and nose, and possibly asthmatic symptoms are indications of an allergy to hazel pollen. If you have these symptoms and the timeframe matches, it's possible you're allergic to hazel pollen.
To determine if you're allergic to hazel pollen, you can undergo a blood test that measures your levels of IgE antibodies to hazel pollen. High levels of these antibodies in your blood may indicate an allergy.
If your allergy test shows high levels of IgE antibodies to hazel pollen, it's wise to present the results to a doctor or allergist. They can assist you with a comprehensive assessment and discuss appropriate treatments, such as allergy medication or allergy shots.