Name:Birch

Scientific name:Betula alba

Description:

A tree of up to 30 meters in height.

Birch pollen particles have a diameter of 20 to 25 micrometers.

Where they are found:

Birch trees come from cold and temperate climates but nowadays they are found throughout <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place> being commonly used as a decorative element in gardens.

Period of exposure:

from march to june

Major allergens:

Bet v 1, Bet v 2 and Bet v 3.

Allergy:

Inhaling birch pollen can induce rhinitis (hay fever), conjunctivitis and asthma.

To avoid exposure, it is important to:

-          avoid walks in the woods during the pollen season;

-          keep windows closed (use air conditioning, if necessary);

-          after going out, wash your hair when you come back in to get rid of any pollen so that it does not find its way onto your pillow.

Cross-reactions:

Mugwort, tomato, potato, paprika, almond, hazelnuts, oak, chestnut, beech, hornbeam, hazel, hop hornbeam, apples, celery, carrots.

Timothy, kiwi fruit, ash.