White birch pollen

Allergy to white birch pollen (Betula verrucosa) is especially present in the northern hemisphere. It is a tree native to northern Europe and Asia, where it grows on the banks of rivers, streams and wet slopes. It is one of the main causes of allergy in northeastern and central Europe, where very high concentrations of pollen are reached. The time when it can cause allergies is in spring, reaching the highest concentrations of pollen in the month of April. 30% of those allergic to birch pollen may have problems with certain foods, such as apples, peaches, cherries and nuts. The most common symptoms are rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma. It frequently affects European emigrants in their 40s, producing asthma more frequently than grass pollens. As a prevention, it is advisable to avoid going outside at times of highest pollen concentration (from March to May, mainly at dawn and dusk, especially when there is a strong wind), install anti-pollen filters in the air conditioner and car, wear sunglasses when you go outside, shower and change your clothes when you get home, and don't hang out outside.