What is in the air in April? Spring allergens in Szczecin

April is the month when spring gets properly under way — and with it the allergy season. The most tree pollen of the year appears in the air over Szczecin then, with birch in the leading role. If every year at this time you get a runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes, this guide will help you understand exactly what is in the air and how to cope.

In brief

• Main allergens of April: birch (the strongest), alder, poplar, ash, hornbeam, willow, and oak towards the end of the month.
• In addition: rising concentrations of mould spores — Alternaria and Cladosporium.
• Typical symptoms: watery runny nose, fits of sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, cough, and in some people shortness of breath.
• Cross-reactions: birch cross-reacts with alder, hazel, hornbeam and oak, and with fruit and vegetables (oral allergy syndrome).
• How to cope: follow the pollen calendar, air your home wisely, shower when you get home, and if symptoms are severe consider diagnostics and desensitisation.

What is in the air in April — trees and their symptoms

Birch — the queen of spring allergens

Birch usually starts pollinating in mid-April and is responsible for most spring allergies. Its pollen is light, travels long distances and reaches high concentrations even in the city centre. Interestingly, birches growing along busy streets can produce more allergenic proteins than those in clean areas.

The most common symptoms are runny nose, watery eyes, itchy skin, cough and breathing difficulties. Birch also triggers strong cross-reactions — with alder, hazel, hornbeam and oak pollen, and also with foods. After eating a raw apple, pear, peach, kiwi or hazelnuts, some allergic people feel itching and burning in the mouth (so-called oral allergy syndrome).

Alder

Alder pollinates from February, but in cooler springs its pollen stays in the air in April too. In Szczecin and the surrounding area you will most often meet alder near the Oder, lakes and wetlands. Symptoms resemble birch allergy: watery runny nose, conjunctivitis, sneezing, sometimes skin reactions.

Poplar

Poplar peaks in April. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the white fluff (which appears later, in May and June) that causes allergy, but the fine pollen. Poplar is rather a weak allergen — if it does cause symptoms, they are usually runny nose, cough and a scratchy throat.

Ash

Ash flowers from early April to mid-May. It belongs to the olive family, so its pollen causes cross-reactions with privet and other plants from this group. It can cause rhinitis, eye irritation and, in sensitive people, asthma symptoms.

Hornbeam, willow and oak

Towards the end of the month hornbeam and willow join in, and in warmer years the first oak pollen as well. They are usually less significant than birch, but in people with multiple allergies they add up with the other allergens and worsen symptoms.

Not only pollen — moulds

In April the amount of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores in the air rises. They need warmth and moisture to develop, so they become active especially after warm, rainy days. Their natural habitats are rotting leaves, decaying plants and the surroundings of bodies of water, but they also multiply in homes — in poorly ventilated bathrooms and kitchens.

Symptoms of mould allergy resemble pollen allergy (sneezing, watery runny nose, itching), but can be more persistent and may be accompanied by headaches, fatigue and poorer concentration.

How to ease allergy symptoms in April

A few habits genuinely reduce contact with allergens:

• Follow the pollen calendar and plan longer outings for days with lower pollen concentration.
• Air your home wisely — briefly and preferably after rain, when there is less pollen in the air.
• Shower and change clothes when you get home, so as not to spread pollen around the home.
• Do not dry laundry outdoors at the peak of the pollen season.
• Rinse your eyes and face, and consider sunglasses outdoors.
• A pollen / HEPA filter helps in the car and at home.

If symptoms get in the way of daily life, it is worth checking exactly what you are allergic to. At the AGAMED clinic in Szczecin we carry out allergy tests covering a wide panel of allergens, without pricking, with the result right away on site. Based on the result we choose further steps, including desensitisation using the bioresonance method. Remember that everyone reacts differently, and if symptoms are severe it is also worth consulting an allergist.

Frequently asked questions

Which trees pollinate in April?

Above all birch — the strongest allergen of this month — as well as alder, poplar, ash, and towards the end of the month hornbeam, willow and oak. In addition, the concentration of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores rises.

How can I tell if I am allergic to birch pollen?

Most often it is a watery runny nose, fits of sneezing, itchy and watery eyes and cough. Some people get itching in the mouth after eating raw fruit (apple, pear, peach) or nuts — this is a cross-reaction.

Is there more pollen in Szczecin than inland?

Szczecin lies in a milder, coastal climate zone, and the proximity of the Oder and wetlands favours alders and birches. The season may start slightly earlier than in cooler regions of Poland.

When is it worth getting allergy tests?

Preferably outside the peak of symptoms — then the result is most reliable, and you have time to prepare for the next season. We carry out tests at AGAMED all year round. Book a visit by phone: 519 055 858.