Hazel allergy

While pollen concentrations are still very low during the winter months, the first allergy symptoms can still appear. The hazel belongs together with the alder to the early bloomers, which ring in the pollen season already from 5 degrees Celsius. The cause of allergic rhinitis is hazel pollen, which is produced by the trees as early as December or January. If the actually harmless particles meet the mucous membranes, the immune system responds with an excessive defense, because it considers the intruders as pathogens.

Main season is then in February and March, when nature awakens and begins to bloom on all corners.

Whether you have a pollen allergy, you can tell by the typical cold symptoms:

• running nose with liquid secretion
• clogged nose
• frequent sneezing, sudden sneezing attacks
• breathing problems up to allergic asthma 

Also the eyes suffer sometimes strongly irritated to the hazel pollen:

• reddened eyes
• itching eyes
• swollen eyelids
• watery eyes
• conjunctivitis (allergic conjunctivitis 

Allergy sufferers also often feel tired and listless. Sometimes headaches or a skin rash are added. A dry irritating cough is also typical. The complaints usually start suddenly and are stronger outdoors than indoors.

As with other pollen allergies, you should avoid the allergens if possible. The pollen calendar will show you when the pollen concentration is particularly high. It is better to stay indoors during the pollen count and keep the windows closed. In addition to home remedies for pollen allergy you should treat the discomfort with medication. Because if allergies are left untreated, they can develop into allergic asthma. Quick help against sniffles and itchy eyes provide:

• Nasal sprays: A runny or stuffy nose is eliminated with a nasal spray within minutes. For acute symptoms, the antihistamine azelastine, which is contained in Pollival® Nasal Spray, for example, has proven effective. It blocks the histamine receptors and thus prevents the allergic reaction from developing. By contrast, nasal sprays containing cromoglicic acid, e.g. Pollicrom® Nasal Spray, have a somewhat different effect. The mast cell stabilizer intervenes early in the allergy mechanism and reduces the release of histamine and other mediators. All products from Polli are free of preservatives.
• Eye drops: Also in eye drops, there are various active ingredients that help in acute cases or already tackle the symptoms early, even before large amounts of histamine are released. Azelastine, for example in Pollival® eye drops, relieves itching and redness of the eyes, among other things. Through the use of cromoglicin-containing eye drops, such as Pollicrom® eye drops, a lasting relief of symptoms can be achieved, since a histamine release triggered by the hazel pollen is reduced early.
• Tablets: Antihistamines are also available as tablets. If the drugs caused earlier still strong fatigue, the tablets are nowadays better tolerated.

In addition, hypo- or desensitization is also possible, but this does not bring relief in acute symptoms. The specific immunotherapy (SIT) usually stretches over about three years, in which the body is accustomed step by step to the allergy-causing pollen, so that he no longer starts an overreaction when coming into contact with the allergens. In any case, if you experience typical hay fever symptoms, you should see a doctor and have an allergy test performed.

A hazel allergy in many cases also results in a cross allergy, in which those affected react to food with an intolerance. Those who are allergic to hazel pollen should watch out for possible symptoms when eating fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes.

Frequently, intolerances occur with the following foods:

• Apple
• Pear
• Fig
• Kiwi
• Cherry
• Apricot
• Peach
• Nectarine
• Plum
• Celery
• Carrot
• Potato
• Hazelnut
• Walnut
• Peanut
• Soybean

Mostly. A tingling sensation in the mouth and throat is immediately noticeable. Also small pustules on the skin can develop, a so-called hives. Even days later, gastrointestinal problems are possible.

In addition, many hazel allergy sufferers also react allergically to birch pollen, since the hazel belongs to the birch family.

A hazel allergy, which belongs to the pollen allergies, is to be distinguished from a hazelnut allergy. This is because an allergic reaction to hazelnuts belongs to the food allergies and can lead to acute respiratory distress when consumed. Typical symptoms are:

• Tingling on the tongue
• Itching on the palate
• Swelling of the lips and mouth
• Dizziness
• Circulatory problems
• Breathing difficulties

The hazelnut is one of the most common triggers of oral allergy syndrome. In the worst case, a hazelnut allergy leads to anaphylactic shock, which requires urgent medical attention.